Chinedu Eze identifies reasons why aviation ground handling companies record poor returns in Nigeria despite huge investment and how regulatory authority and synergy can reposition the sub-sector in order to ensure that safety is not compromised.
Despite the critical role they play in the aviation industry, aviation ground handling companies over the years may have been consigned to the short end of the stick by factors ranging from poor regulation of the sub-sector, cutthroat competition and unwillingness of local and foreign airlines to pay the right price for their services.
The handling companiesâ mode of operation has subjected them to the dictates of the airlines that seem to under appreciate the critical role they play in rewarding the services rendered to them. Yet, the ground handling companies are responsible for loading and unloading freight and baggage, monitoring the safety of passengers, sorting freight and baggage, service the interiors of the aircraft, wash exterior of the aircraft and repair mechanical faults in the aircraft.