Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCo) Aviance, a national ground handling company has signed business deals with international air operators which include an Italian Airline; Meridiana Fly and new Gambia flag carrier; Mid – African Airlines, which are making entries into Nigeria for the first time.
The company has continued to weather the storm in the harsh operating environment and has declared revenue of N8.4 billion for the 2015 operating year.
A statement from the company signed by Tayo Ajakaye, Manager, Corporate Communications & Services, indicated that NAHCo has also signed business deal with Rwandair, which had just concluded plans to fly the Abuja – Kigali route.
The statement further revealed that the company has also concluded the deal with Mainstream Aviation; a major Cargo Air-Freight (Logistics) Airline operating both international and local flights.
In a bid to complement the expanding business on the international route, the company has also signed deals to provide ground handling service for Air Peace in Akure, Ondo State and for fast rising local operator, Azman Air in Maiduguri and Yola.
Speaking on the development, Seyi Adewale, Chief Commercial Officer of the company, said that the fact that these developments are happening during difficult business periods showed that the ground handling is an excellent and efficient brand.
According to Adewale, “It’s during difficult business periods or cycles that the ‘wheat is separated from the chaff’. At this stage, it is very clear that NAHCo is an excellent and efficient brand that has endured 36 years of Aviation (Ground) Handling Efficiency and Qualitative Standards. Our high-end Ground Support Equipment is well maintained and upgraded.
We have a strong and motivated workforce, and we are sticklers for continuous business development and innovation. Our professional and operating ethics sets us far above other Terminal operators and this is further proven by our growing local and international airline partners.”
According to Adewale, the new businesses are testimonies of the excellent service delivery which NAHCo is known for globally, pointing out that more and more operators are realizing that they deserve value for money and are turning to a service provider that can ensure that.
NAHCo Aviance is a Nigerian diversified enterprise with interests in aviation cargo, aircraft handling, passenger facilitation, crew transportation and aviation training.
The company currently serves more than 35 airlines at nine airports across Nigeria, with plans to expand operations to other African countries.
It handles about 70 per cent of domestic and foreign airlines operating in Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), initially held 60 per cent equity interest in the company while four foreign airlines; Air France, British Airways, Sabena and Lufthansa – shared the remaining 40 percent in various ratios.
In 2005, NAHCo Aviance was privatised and subsequently listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2006.
The company is now owned by over 80, 000 shareholders, including two international airlines; Air France and Lufthansa; as well as local investors; Sycor Private Investment Limited and Rosehill Group Nigeria Limited. The company’s stock exchange symbol is “NAHCo”.
Since its privatisation, the company has embarked on business diversification programme that cuts across industries and geography, as a result of which it has developed strategic global alliances through its membership of aviance, the global alliance of 10 reputable airport service providers operating from 112 stations in 17 countries and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), which exists to promote the air cargo industry and world trade.
Ifeoma Okeke
