Online Reporter
Michael Tome-Business Reporter
NATIONAL Handling Services Limited (NHS) says the expanded handling capacity of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (RGMI) has enhanced future business prospects.
The passenger and cargo handling company said this at its 2023 annual general meeting (AGM) held in Harare on Monday.
NHS emphasised that the future looked bright for the company in light of the many opportunities presented by the expansion at RGMI Airport.
The expansion is expected to result in increased inbound and outbound volume of both passengers and cargo.
NHS is thus poised to capitalise on the vast business opportunities from this.
RGMI’s capacity handling capacity was increased from 2,5 million to approximately 6 million passengers annually.
Enhancements included a new international terminal building, expansion of aprons, passenger boarding bridges, installation of a secondary radar system, a VVIP pavilion, and state-of-the-art airfield ground lighting and communication systems.
The upgrades will accommodate larger twin-aisle aircraft capable of transporting more passengers and cargo, which is expected to attract more regional and international airlines into Harare.
As the company strives to secure and enhance its market position, NHS indicated that it was committed to delivering excellent service in its ground handling operations.
This dedication is reflected in the ongoing investments made in key equipment. NHS plans to continue upgrading its cargo facilities, including through the installation of cold storage rooms to better handle the anticipated growth in cargo volumes and passenger traffic.
Board chairman Advocate Godwin Nyengedza told the AGM that the company was actively contributing to the achievement of National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) and Vision 2030 targets in the aviation industry.
“The prospects for the future of the company are exciting, NHS is presented with vast opportunities that it aims to harness, from opportunities presented by the expanded airport here in Harare, projected increase of inbound and outbound travelling public and cargo, to diversification into logistics, to dry port services.
“The future looks very promising because the expanded airport infrastructure will allow twin-aisle aircraft which move greater numbers of passengers and cargo to be accommodated, which will lure more regional and international airlines to explore opportunities presented by flying into Harare.
“As we look ahead, the National Handling Services is well positioned to capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead. “I am confident that our strategic initiatives, combined with our strong execution capabilities and efficiency, will allow us to turn around the misfortunes of 2023,” said Adv Nyengedza.
He noted that while NHS pursued growth prospects, the company remained steadfast in maintaining financial discipline and prudent capital management, ensuring a balance between expansion and financial stability.
Echoing the chairman’s sentiments, NHS acting chief executive officer Mr Philip Rambakudzibwa said the expected increase in passenger traffic presented significant opportunities for increased business.
“We expect the business to increase as we go into the coming years. I am sure very soon we will be seeing another beauty coming through.
“As long as the number of passengers is increasing, there is an opportunity for more business to come through,” said Mr Rambakudzibwa.
Zimbabwe reported a remarkable 29 percent year-on-year increase in flights during 2023, totalling 16,191 from 12 559 flights recorded in 2022.
RGMI Airport accounted for 58,35 percent of flights while Victoria Falls International Airport and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport contributed 26,08 percent and 12,62 percent, respectively.
Despite losing one customer during the year, NHS maintained a formidable market share of 95 percent among airlines operating in the Zimbabwe route.
In terms of passenger traffic, NHS recorded a 27 percent increase to 1 669 936 passengers in 2023, from 1 314 254 in 2022.
However, the cargo business fell short of its target, recording 5 240 904 kilogrammes against its target of 5 300 000 kilogrammes, which was 18 percent increase compared to the previous year’s performance.
A major proportion of the cargo handled were imports, making up 89 percent, which equated to 4,6 million kilogrammes, while exports constituted 11 percent, or 0, 6 million kilogrammes.
As part of business growth, NHS completed the refurbishment of its re-branded business class lounge at RGMI, known as the Khami Lounge. Across all lounges, NHS catered for 37 484 passengers, marking a seven percent increase from 36 819 passengers in 2022.
Plans are underway to similarly rebrand the lounges at Victoria Falls and JM Nkomo airports.
