may2023 - 29

investing in ground support equipment
(GSE) or in growing their businesses, "
say UAS Africa team officials. " Another
obstacle at many airports is a competition
for space. Many airports have just
enough space for parking of aircraft
and would not accommodate more
than a handful of handling companies.
In addition, some states still have and
encourage monopolies in the ground
handling space, thereby limiting entry
of potential participants and investors
that could encourage growth.
" Finally, the poor state of African
economies especially after the COVID
pandemic has made them unable to
prioritize airport development to the
disadvantage of the possible growth of
ground handling. "
Infrastructural Developments
Several countries in Africa are investing
in the expansion and modernization
of their airports, which can create
opportunities for the growth of ground
handling services, observes Swissport
officials.
" There are many projects for new
airports or modernizations/extensions
across the continent, which are necessary
to accommodate the planned
growth in air traffic, for example
Kumasi, Ghana, Bugesera, Rwanda,
Entebbe, Uganda, and Luanda, Angola, "
Swissport representatives say.
Currently, some international financiers
are supporting the development
of mega airports in Africa to create
more efficient trading avenues through
wide-body aircraft, explains the UAS
Africa team.
" Rwanda is building a new and much
larger airport 40km from Kigali and this
will undoubtedly attract more flights,
grow the existing ground handling
companies and probably attract more, "
UAS Africa team officials say. " With the
help of Middle East nations, Somalia
has attracted new airport development
projects especially in the northern
regions, which are deemed more politically
stable with less security risks. This
is likely to bring in more flights to the
region causing ground handling ventures
to grow. "
companies. Partnership with local
companies will result in mutual benefit.
Foreign investment and the provision
of equipment opens doors for
doing business in the ground handling
sector, " he says.
Regulations on partnerships vary
African countries are investing in
the expansion and modernization
of airports, which may create
opportunities for the growth of
ground handling services.
Uganda's Entebbe International Airport
is undergoing a major upgrade
and expansion, which will include the
revamping of its runways, construction
of new passenger terminals and
a new cargo center, the UAS Africa
team affirms.
" The renovations are expected to
increase passenger traffic and freight
at the airport. Airports in Sierra Leone,
Guinea Conackry, Guinea Bissau, Senegal
and Niger have all been going
through modernization and expansion
towards increasing traffic and creating
more opportunities for ground handling, "
UAS Africa team members say.
Airports constantly invest in capital
projects in terms of capacity and technology
to satisfy the growing demand,
points out Lochan.
" Air traffic in Africa has not yet
achieved pre-pandemic passenger
levels so the infrastructure suffices
for the moment. An increased level
of investment in airport infrastructure
developments in Africa will
come as the industry recovers and
even grows beyond the pre-pandemic
levels, " he says.
Joint Venture Opportunities
Foreign ground handling companies are
present in Africa and are in partnership
with local companies in certain instances
to deliver ground handling services,
observes Lochan.
" They provide the necessary expertise
and capital to operate very successful
ground handling services
between countries. But for the majority
of Africa, it is relatively easy for
foreign companies to set up ground
handling services, according to the UAS
Africa team.
" Some countries' regulations require
partnerships of foreign handlers with
local companies, which has not been
a problem. Where such partnership is
allowed by choice, many local ground
handlers prefer to partner with well-established
foreign handling companies
to create a wider business network, " say
officials with the UAS Africa team.
The standards of ground handling at
airports in Africa vary widely, observes
Swissport representatives.
" The infrastructure and facilities for
handling passengers/cargo in some airports
remain inadequate or dilapidated.
Joint ventures with local companies
are possible with all attached risks
and opportunities, " Swissport officials
say. " In some countries having a local
partner is mandatory. But in general,
partnering with a local company,
helping to understand local rules and
regulations, can be a key factor for
success in delivering ground handling
services in Africa. "
The main strength is the youth of
African population and a qualified
workforce ready to be trained in the
ground handling field of activities,
according to Swissport officials.
" The African youth is willing to
work, eager to learn and international
handling companies can provide them
with career opportunities The African
ground handling staff is often wellversed
in the diverse cultural norms
and practices of the region, " Swissport
representatives say. " This cultural
sensitivity is beneficial in dealing with
passengers, crew and other stakeholders
from different cultural backgrounds,
ensuring smooth interactions and efficient
ground handling operations. "
May 2023 || AviationPros.com || 29
UAS INTERNATIONAL TRIP SUPPORT
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