NAHCO bolsters operations in West Africa, launches Ground Support Equipment Replacement Plan

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (popularly known as nahco aviance) has announced a comprehensive Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Replacement Plan as a strategic initiative to solidify its leadership in the ground handling service sector across West Africa.

In a statement signed by Mr Tayo Ajakaye, AGM Corporate Communications, NAHCO, the company said this ambitious project aims to modernise its fleet with state-of-the-art equipment over the next two years, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency for all airline customers.

According to the statement, the Board of Directors revealed this groundbreaking plan during the commissioning of the first batch of new GSE at the company’s headquarters in Lagos recently, marking the commencement of Phase 1 of the GSE Replacement Plan.

At the commissioning, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, Chairman of the Board, emphasised the significance of this initiative. 

“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,” he stated. 

Despite unforeseen delays from manufacturers and port authorities, a consistent delivery schedule has now been initiated, signaling numerous positive transformations across the company’s workforce, facilities, and equipment.

Mr. Indranil Gupta, Group Managing Director/CEO, highlighted the critical importance of the new acquisitions. 

“Our focus on acquiring modern GSE to replace our aging fleet is essential for improving operational safety and efficiency,” Gupta explained. 

With the Board’s support, NAHCO is committed to delighting customers and providing superior service to client airlines, aligning perfectly with the company’s mission to deliver exceptional services through professional teams, cutting-edge technology, and leading practices.

Gupta outlined the phased implementation of the GSE Replacement Plan, consisting of three phases scheduled for completion by 2026. 

According to him, the current batch of equipment is part of Phase 1, with additional batches expected in the coming months. 

Orders for Phase 2 will commence shortly, with Phase 3 slated to begin in 2025.

Dr. Olusola Obabori, Group Executive Director of International Business and Corporate Services, reiterated NAHCO’s commitment to excellence. 

“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,” Dr. Obabori added.

The initiative attracted union support, as Comrade Prince Nnochiri, Chairman of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), praised the company’s leadership for its timely reinvestment. 

He emphasised the significant positive impact the new equipment will have on operational efficiency and service excellence.

This laudable initiative is a testament to NAHCO’s robust financial performance over the years, indicating a consistent growth trajectory. 

In 2023, the company reported a revenue of N28 billion, marking a 70 per cent increase from the previous year’s N16.7 billion. 

The company also recorded a 126 per cent increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT) compared to the previous year.

In the next five years, the company aims to rake N100 billion in revenue, as it solidifies its investment portfolio across West Africa with the GSE replacement plan.