Story ID: 5091913alerts
Hadid Expands Aircraft Handling Services in Africa
By: Charles Alcock
Caption: 
Word Count: 198
Flight planning and support group Hadid International Services has expanded its network in Africa with the appointment of supervisors in Ethiopia, Djibouti and Congo. In addition to providing handling supervision and arranging payment for airport fees, the Dubai-based company’s local staff can arrange ground transportation and hotels.

Another significant challenge for aircraft operators in Africa is securing credit to pay for fuel and other essential services. According to Hadid, credit cards are not accepted at many African airports, so it arranges lines of credit for clients. The company also assists passengers and crew in clearing customs and security procedures.

In Ethiopia, the new Hadid supervisor supports all airports served by flag carrier Ethiopian Airlines. In Congo, service and support is available at Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and in Djibouti at the capital Ambouli International Airport. Hadid is already established in Africa in both Niger and Algeria.

Among the 55 countries throughout the continent, only South Africa, Angola, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Morocco and the Seychelles have any established FBOs. This means that operators generally have to use airline facilities at airports, which can compromise the efficiency and privacy expected of business aviation.