National Aviation Services (NAS) Uganda, formerly Entebbe Handling Services Limited (ENHAS), provided ground handling services for two new Bombardier aircraft that arrived at Entebbe International Airport, marking the revival of the national carrier Uganda Airlines. The revival of Uganda Airlines signifies a new era for the aviation industry in the country and will help boost international trade as well as travel and tourism.
Philippe Lacroix, General Manager, NAS Uganda said, “The aviation industry in Uganda has a lot of scope for development, especially with the upgrade and expansion of the Entebbe International Airport and now the revival of its national carrier. Our experience at NAS has proven that aviation growth is linked to economic development and prosperity and it won’t be long before we see Entebbe becoming an aviation hub.”
NAS is the fastest growing aviation services provider in the emerging markets offering a wide portfolio of services including ramp and passenger services, cargo management, engineering and line maintenance, airport technologies, fixed base operations, terminal management, aviation training, travel solutions, lounge management and meet-and-assist packages. Present in more than 40 airports across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, NAS has demonstrated expertise and experience in supporting hub carriers and providing ground handling services to seven of the world’s top ten airlines. It has an average on time performance (OTP) of 98 percent across its operations, is ISAGO, ISO, OHSAS and RA3 certified. NAS also manages 40 airport lounges and offers an expanded portfolio of aviation services that include innovative technology solutions.
The company has been operating in Uganda since December 2017, handling 15 scheduled airlines and an average of 25 flights a day for various regional and international airlines. NAS Uganda operations comprise of 750 employees, all Ugandan nationals. Its training school has been recognized as a Top Performing IATA Accredited Training School (ATS) in Africa and the Middle East four years in a row.
Following the official launch of Uganda Airlines’ commercial operations, NAS Uganda will continue to offer ground handling services and will also support training, development, business strategy and other operations.
Philippe Lacroix said, “At the beginning of this year, NAS earmarked $50 million towards investments in Africa for infrastructure, resources, equipment, training, technology, safety and security developments. As the largest ground handler in Entebbe, we also work closely with CAA to improve passenger experience and also contributed to reducing pollution from combustible fuels by introducing electric vehicles at the airport. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with Uganda Airlines to help them in their local and regional operations.”
With a view on giving back to the local communities, NAS Uganda also partnered with the Rotary Club in Entebbe to build an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Entebbe General Referral Hospital to serve people living in the area and travelers at the airport.
