Ground handlers across Africa and Europe share how they’re sourcing smarter, operating safer, and preparing their ramps for the next generation of GSE
Europe: Aviapartner
According to a report by IMARC group, the global GSE market reached US$16.9 billion in 2024, and is forecast to grow significantly in the coming decade.
Aviapartner continues to be a key player, working with 75 airports, and offering a wide range of services to over 500 passenger and cargo airlines. This makes them one of the leading independent providers of ground handling services.
Daniel del Estad Cabello, director of GSE and operational performance at Aviapartner Spain, explains that when choosing equipment, Aviapartner conducts a thorough analysis of the machinery needed, to check that it complies with operational, safety and health requirements such as AHM913.
Aviapartner started new licences in Spain last year, winning 18 airports including Madrid and Barcelona. It has invested more than €20 million ($23 million) in direct purchases, not including its rented fleet.
“We have invested in several brands: pushbacks from TLD and Goldhofer; e-buses from Guantai; GPU from ITW, TLD and Guangtai; and high loaders – EINSA 3.5, Trepel 14 tonne, TLD 3.5, 7, 14 tonne, and Guantai 7 and 14 tonne,” says del Estad.
Aviapartner has also received EU funds from the Spanish government to boost its transition to an electric fleet. This new sustainable GSE has updated docking systems, lithium batteries, on-board chargers and an ergonomic system for driver seats. “We have also invested in a significant number of power stows,” adds del Estad.
The handler’s safety training programme consists of both theory and practical work, defined by each type of equipment and the specific requirements of each airline. Ramp operators can gradually build experience and earn qualifications. “Professionalism and qualifications of the Aviapartner ramp staff are one our key goals,” explains del Estad.
As an independent ground handler, timings can sometimes be difficult to manage. “You must comply with deadlines for operational start-ups, and GSE requirements,” del Estad says. And over that past two or three years since the Covid recovery period, manufacturing lead times have also been longer.
Regardless, Aviapartner continues to spearhead the global renewal of GSE, with new environmental regulations acting as a driving force in this change. Del Estad expects autonomous driving and self-docking systems to be on the horizon, and being positioned at the forefront of these developments, Aviapartner is well placed to adopt them early.
Africa: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and Aviance Ghana
West Africa’s ground handling sector is led by NAHCO and Aviance Ghana, two companies driving fleet modernisation and operational efficiency. NAHCO, a 1979 founded Nigerian powerhouse, offers ramp, passenger, cargo and training services to clients including Qatar Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Kenya Airways across 15 airports.
Meanwhile ISAGO-certified Aviance Ghana enhances automation and customer service at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, along with new expansions at Kumasi and Tamale airports.
“Our recent purchases have been high-load tractors and coaches because we increased our market share and expanded our handling to other airports in Ghana [Kumasi and Tamale],” says Mark Kamis, Aviance Ghana managing director.
Cost is the primary factor for Aviance Ghana when sourcing GSE. Kamis explains: “There is a delicate balance between managing seasonal demand and winning new market share, and this is a critical factor when purchasing eGSE.
“Our company policy is always to go out for tender. At the same time, we have seen a large number of suppliers recently, and demand is high.”
When Kamis took on his role in 2019, Aviance Ghana implemented a dynamic training division, with 90% of learning now taking place online. “The traditional classroom training with an instructor is becoming a thing of the past. Especially more so with AI,” says Kamis.
“The challenge with such an extensive portfolio as we have, spread between low-cost carriers (LCCs) and traditional full-service airlines, is – and will always be – determining which training requirements are needed. Training is constantly evolving.”
To further ensure ramp safety, NAHCO has dedicated GSE checkers to identify defects early and improve the reporting flow. “Our front-line operators are now recognised as critical stakeholders. Their concerns are being taken seriously at senior levels,” continues Charles Murathe Karinga, NAHCO ground support equipment and maintenance manager.
NAHCO has recently invested in nine Trepel CHAMP 70 Loaders, and 35 Mulag towing tractors, to replace ageing units. “Trepel and Mulag are trusted brands in rugged conditions. Their machines are built for resilience, with minimal over-sophistication, and are better suited to the realities of our infrastructure and parts availability,” explains Karinga.
In addition to Trepel and Mulag, NAHCO prefers to use Bombelli for steps and service units and TLD belt loaders.
The handler’s GSE sourcing is driven by equipment continuity, flexible payment terms, after-sales support and spares, and mechanical simplicity. “Our operating environment favours GSE with simple wiring and strong build quality,” says Karinga.
Both companies suffer from a lack of volume discount, as they cannot access the same bulk markdowns as larger global players. Nonetheless, Kamis believes that by maintaining a good network, Aviance Ghana can work well with GSE suppliers.
As in the European market, sustainability is a key focus for African ground handlers. Aviance Ghana has an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) plan containing a strong eGSE strategy, and NAHCO plans to digitalise ramp operations by the second quarter of 2026.
This positive shift towards eGSE, along with the collaboration of airport authorities to better manage infrastructure, could be a win for West Africa. However, implementing sustainable solutions is often a challenge there.
“Cultural context matters,” says Karinga. “In our region, automation of GSE itself remains limited due to infrastructure gaps and a saturated labour market.”
NAHCO plans to continue focusing on growth by deepening data-driven maintenance via Oracle’s software systems, exploring GSE pooling models with third-party owners, and designing better frameworks to introduce eGSE when the infrastructure is ready.
For Aviance Ghana, its growth into Ghana’s Kumasi and Tamale airports is already a testament to its success and suggests possibilities for further expansion in the African market.
Meet the experts
Daniel del Estad Cabello has an Msc in industrial engineering and management from Seville University. He worked in ground handling services for Flightcare and Swissport, before joining Aviapartner. He led new operations projects analysis across Aviapartner’s network in Europe and Africa, playing a key role of the development of Aviapartner Spain.
Mark Kamis has been in the aviation sector for 37 years, working in London, New York, Italy and Ireland. He has been the managing director of Aviance Ghana for the past seven years, developing leadership skills from airline to handler, embracing diverse cultures as a strength, and taking a global approach to strategic decisions.
Charles Murathe Karinga is a senior GSE and aviation engineering professional with over 25 years of experience. He previously held leadership roles at Swissport Kenya and currently manages West Africa’s largest GSE fleet at NAHCO. He is also the founder of ISSCO Ltd, a Nairobi-based GSE consultancy.
