in a move to equip its fleet with state-of-the-art equipment across Africa over the next two years, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has embarked on a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) replacement plan.
The move, which the organisation said will enhance service quality and operational efficiency for all its airline customers, will equally reinforce NAHCO’s leadership in the ground handling service sector in West Africa.
The announcement was made by the Board of Directors at the commissioning of the first batch of the new equipment as the Phase 1 of the GSE at the company’s headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Board, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, remarked that: “By 2026, we will have acquired all the necessary equipment to fully upgrade our fleet. This initial delivery marks the beginning of significant advancements for NAHCO and our operational practices.
“Despite unforeseen delays from manufacturers and port authorities, we have now initiated a consistent delivery schedule. This milestone signals the start of numerous positive transformations across various aspects of our business, including our workforce, facilities and equipment.”
The Group Managing Director/CEO, Mr Indranil Gupta, spoke on the importance of the new acquisitions and the phased implementation plans of the handling company.
He said: “Our focus on acquiring modern GSE to replace our aging fleet is critical for improving operational safety and efficiency. With the Board’s support, we are committed to delighting our customers and providing superior service to our client airlines. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission statement to deliver exceptional services through professional teams, cutting-edge technology and leading practices.”
Gupta also outlined the phased implementation of the GSE replacement plan, which consists of three phases scheduled for completion by 2026 with the current batch of equipment as part of Phase 1, with additional batches expected in the coming months while orders for Phase 2 will commence shortly, while Phase 3 is slated to begin in 2025.
On the company’s commitment to excellence, Group Executive Director of International Business and Corporate Services for the company, Dr Olusola Obabori, reiterated the company’s commitment to excellence.
Obabori added: “This acquisition heralds a new era for NAHCO. We are profoundly grateful to our dedicated staff and confident that the future holds even greater achievements.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the chairman, Comrade Prince Nnochiri, commended the company’s leadership for what he called timely reinvestment and highlighted the positive impact the new equipment will have on operational efficiency and service excellence.
The company’s robust financial performance underscores its growth trajectory. In 2023, the company reported revenue of N28 billion, a 70 percent increase from the previous year’s N16.7 billion. The company also recorded a 126 percent increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) compared to the previous year.
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