National Aviation Services (NAS), Colossal Africa and a consortium comprising the current BidAir Services executive management team have signed an agreement to acquire BidAir Services from the Bidvest Group.

The closing of the acquisition is subject to the fulfilment of final requirements from Airports Company South Africa, which manages South Africa’s State-owned airports, as well as other regulatory approvals.

BidAir Services provides handling services, including passenger and ramp handling, load control and operations, cleaning, and toilet and water services, at nine South African airports.

The airports include OR Tambo International,in Johannesburg, Cape Town International, and King Shaka International, in Durban.

BidAir’s clientele of more than 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 transaction has been completed and regulatory approvals have been obtained, BidAir Services will join NAS, the largest airport services network in Africa.

“NAS prides itself on its global expertise and local knowledge,” says NAS group CEO Hassan El-Houry.

“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 say they are committed to investing in facilities and infrastructure, equipment, technology, recruitment and training operations.

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 should ensure that there is a smooth transition to the new owners.

“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,” notes El-Houry.

Established in 2003, NAS is an aviation service provider in 20 countries across Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

“NAS is the largest ground-handler in Africa and this acquisition will further cement our position in the continent’s largest market,” says El-Houry.

“We will be growing our footprint to a presence in over 55 airports, managing more than 50 lounges with over 8 000 employees of 65 different nationalities at the core of our worldwide network.”

“As a 100% black-women-owned investment holding company, managed and operating in the South African market, our strategy focuses on the development of local capabilities, while building a globally competitive company through strategic acquisitions and partnerships in our chosen sectors,” says Colossal Africa director Cingashe Motale.