JOHANNESBURG: National Aviation Services (NAS), Colossal Africa and a consortium of current executive management acquired BidAir Services, South Africa’s largest ground handling company in June last year. The acquisition promised to bring the highest level of airport handling services in South Africa, heralding a new outlook for aviation in the country.
Nine months later the change is clearly visible. The new entity – NAS Colossal Aviation Services (NCAS) is forging ahead to establish new systems, processes and procedures. NCAS currently operates at six airports in South Africa including three main international gateways – O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg, Cape Town International and King Shaka International in Durban. Twenty-eight major airlines including international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir are a part of the NCAS customer base in South Africa.
Hassan El-Houry, Group CEO of NAS said: “NAS is the largest airport services network in Africa and the fastest growing in the emerging markets. With our expertise and experience through operations in Africa combined with the inclusion of the BidAir executive management team, helped in a quick and smooth transition of services with little to no disruption to our customers.”
NCAS’s portfolio of services includes comprehensive ground handling and passenger handling services, aviation training, technology solutions, airport meet and assist services as well as flight support.
El-Houry added: “In this partnership with Colossal Africa, we are committed to developing facilities and infrastructure, introducing the latest equipment and technology solutions, recruitment of new employees and training of existing employees. Green technology and paperless digital platforms will also form an important part of our operations.”
The 2,021 BidAir employees now working directly with NCAS management have received fresh training and new systems, to ensure further enhanced and smoother operations. Training and development of knowledge and skills will continue to remain a focal point for NCAS, be it with employees or the local South African youth to ensure wider opportunities and career options with an emphasis on employment equity.
Cingashe Motale, Director of Colossal Africa, a South African 100% black-owned and majority woman-owned investment company, who serves as the Executive Director of NCAS highlighted: “Colossal’s strategy is focused on strengthening local capabilities while building global competitiveness. The growing optimism and capability in our new brand and our people – marks the beginning of a rewarding journey for us. We continue offering NCAS guidance and insight to build a strong brand that will contribute greatly to the South African aviation industry.”
