Michael Tome
National Handling Services (NHS) has embarked on a resource mobilisation and recapitalisation drive to replenish its ageing equipment in the face of increased flights to Zimbabwe and expansion of the national airport, an official has said.
The State-owned ground-handling firm requires US$2,3 million, US$900 000 and US$3,3 million in the short term, medium term and long term, respectively.
The airline business took a dip at the height of Covid-19-induced lockdowns in 2020 and 2021.
However, a recovery is underway in the sector.
A total 1 314 254 passengers were handled by NHS in 2022, up from 379 657 in 2021.
Last year, NHS handled 12 559 domestic and international flights, up from 7 888 in 2021.
Of these, 12 462 were handled and dispatched on time, resulting in the company’s 99,2 percent on-time performance.
fastjet dominated airline frequencies to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMIA), as well as Victoria Falls and Bulawayo airports in 2022, recording a 231 percent growth to 4 641, from 1 403 in the prior year.
Air Link and Air Zimbabwe flights to the same destination totalled 2 637 and 1 261, respectively, throughout the year, followed by Ethiopian Airlines at 674 flights, Kenya Airways (622) and South African Airways (394).
In terms of cargo business, NHS handled 4,4 million kilogrammes, up from 1,5 million kilogrammes in 2021.
In 2022, the company took delivery of 40 container dollies, 20 pallets worth US$370 970 and a cargo cold room worth US$232 378.
It now awaits delivery of pre-owned coasters worth US$134 850 and a cargo transporter valued at US$84 500.
“NHS is already in expansion mode as it gears itself to invest in logistics and increase its presence in the dry ports business. As a matter of priority, NHS will continue to invest in key pieces of equipment to enable itself to handle the new capacity at the expanded RGMIA, increased customer demands and enhance new technology,” said NHS board chairperson Dr Franklin Mukarakate during the firm’s AGM last week.
NHS chief executive officer Mr Godknows Marawanyika said the firm plans to provide exceptional customer services in light of growing competition.
“The medium- to long-term strategy is for upgrading of equipment to enhance efficiency and meet demands of customers and also the new improved aviation facilities.
We are thankful to the Government for supporting the recapitalisation strategy, which is meant to drive NDS1 (National Development Strategy 1) under the infrastructure pillar,” said Mr Marawanyika.
The firm plans to establish a logistics company.
As part of its diversification drive, it has successfully established a dry port at Walvis Bay in Namibia. The inland dry port initiative is now at an advanced stage, with land having been identified for projects in Chirundu and Mutare.
The Walvis Bay dry port provides Zimbabwean merchants with a direct alternative shipping route from the Americas, the Far East, Europe and West Africa.
NHS is the mainstay of the ground-handling industry in Zimbabwe and specialises in passenger and aircraft handling, cargo handling and storage, ramp handling, lounges services and shrink wrapping services.
The company has an array of ground support equipment that can handle any type of aircraft up to A380.
In 2022, its total revenues and other incomes rose to $4,9 billion, up by 92 percent in inflation-adjusted terms.
Traffic revenue contributed 76 percent of total revenue, while freight and cargo revenue reached 18 percent, as ancillary revenue contributed 6 percent in inflation-adjusted terms.