National Aviation Services and National Aviation Services have signed an agreement to acquire BidAir Services, a division of Bidvest Group that handles cargo in Africa from the Bidvest Group.
The closing of the acquisition is subject to fulfilling final requirements from the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) that manages South African airports as well as other regulatory approvals.
BidAirServices currently provides quality-handling services including passenger and ramp handling, load control and operations, cleaning, toilet and water services, amongst others at nine South African airports. This includes three main international gateways – O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg, Cape Town International and King Shaka International in Durban. BidAir’s clientele of over 28 major airlines includes international carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir.
Once the agreement is completed and regulatory approvals obtained, BidAir Services will join the largest airport services network in Africa.
Commenting on the acquisition is Hassan El-Houry, Group CEO of NAS said National Aviation Services prides itself on its global expertise and local knowledge. We believe that the success of the aviation industry in Africa is tied to its economic prosperity and have made significant investments into the industry across the continent. We look forward to adding BidAir Services, the largest South African ground handling company to our expanding network. ”
NAS and Colossal Africa are committed to investing in the development of facilities and infrastructure, latest equipment, technology, recruitment and training. Green technology and paperless digital platforms will also be an important part of the operational landscape. The inclusion of the executive management team as part of the acquiring group will also ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new owners.
El-Houry emphasized: “BidAir Services is known for its excellent customer service. With its experienced management team and dedicated workforce, we can add value by reinforcing its capabilities, training and investment into the company to further enhance its position in the local market. With NAS, Colossal Africa and BidAir Services joining hands, we will ensure the highest level of airport handling services in South Africa.”
Following the acquisition, NAS will also focus on training to develop the knowledge and skills of local South African youth while offering more employment opportunities and career options with an emphasis on employment equity. One of the key offerings will also include the integration of IT and healthcare to support civil aviation and government authorities during emergencies such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
El-Houry added: “NAS is the largest ground handler in Africa and this acquisition will further cement our position in the continent’s largest market. We will be growing our footprint with a presence in over55 airports, managing more than 50 lounges with over 8,000 employeesof65differentnationalities at the core of our worldwide network.”
Colossal Africa is a Level-1 company that focuses on identifying and investing in economically viable business opportunities in various sectors aside from aviation, infrastructure and logistics. This acquisition will allow Colossal Africa to contribute towards the sustainability of the air transport system on the African continent.
Established in 2003, NAS is one of the leading aviation service providers in 20 countries across Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.
