Online Reporter
Good day Zimbabwe!
This Wednesday, a high-profile delegation of Cabinet Ministers and legislators is touring the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
Led by Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi, the delegation is set to commission the National Handling Services (NHS) Ground Support Equipment.
They will also officially open the Khami Prestige Lounge.
Accompanying them are other senior Government officials, legislators, board members, CEOs from key institutions.
Stay tuned for real-time updates from Freeman Razemba as the event unfolds!
What is ground support equipment?
Ground Support equipment refers to vehicles and equipment used on the ground to service aircraft, ensuring smooth airport operations and efficient aircraft turnaround.
Types of ground support equipment used by the National Handling Services
NHS utilizes various types of GSE to facilitate its operations, which include:
• Conveyor belt loaders: Used for the rapid loading and unloading of baggage and cargo from the aircraft’s cargo holds.
• Power units: To power the aircraft’s electrical systems on the ground.
• Other handling equipment: To facilitate cargo movement, passenger boarding, and aircraft servicing.
‘Government invests in national competitiveness’
The Permanent Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Province Mr Cosmas Chiringa is now giving welcome remarks on behalf of the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa.
“Today’s event marks yet another significant step in Zimbabwe’s commitment to modernising our aviation infrastructure and enhancing the traveller experience at our gateway to the world.
“It reflects the Second Republic’s broader vision of building world-class transport infrastructure that supports economic growth, facilitates tourism, and improves service delivery across all sectors.”
He said Harare Metropolitan Province has always been a place of opportunity and growth, and the event is just another demonstration of the Government’s progress.
“The commissioning of this state-of-the-art Khami Lounge and new ground handling equipment is more than just an upgrade in comfort and capacity; it represents a strategic investment in our national competitiveness. Airports are not only transport hubs, they are powerful economic enablers.
“The new ground handling equipment will increase operational efficiency, reduce turn-around times, and support our airport’s compliance with international standards. This is especially important as we seek to position Zimbabwe as a preferred regional aviation hub, boost trade, tourism, and connectivity with the rest of the world,” Minister Tawengwa said.
He said this progress would not have been possible without the close collaboration between Government, aviation authorities, and the National Handling Services.
“It is through working together that we are transforming Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport into a true reflection of Zimbabwe’s aspirations – a modern, efficient, and welcoming point of entry for all.
“Let me take this opportunity to reaffirm the Provincial Government’s full support for ongoing and future developments at this airport and across the aviation sector.
“As Harare continues to grow as a Metropolitan Centre, our airport plays a critical role in supporting commerce, creating jobs, and enhancing our global footprint.
“Today we celebrate not only the opening of new facilities, but the promise of a more connected future. Let us move forward with pride, determination, and a shared commitment to delivering excellence for the people of Zimbabwe and our valued visitors,” he said.
Major boost for efficiency, safety and reliability at RGM International Airport
NHS board chairperson, Advocate Godwin Nyengedza is now giving his remarks.
“This ground support equipment, comprising one transporter, one conveyor belt, and five baggage tow tugs, will enhance our operational capabilities and efficiency in handling aircraft and cargo.
“As we leave no one and no place behind, the Victoria Falls and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airports have each received a new baggage tow tug.
“This marks a noteworthy step in our ongoing recapitalisation efforts in the quest for efficiency, safety, and reliability in all our ground operations. These equipment enhancements will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless aircraft handling, thereby elevating our service standards to match the dynamism of modern aviation.
“Today we will also have a demonstration of our recently acquired Flight Management System. This cutting-edge system embodies the confluence of technology and aviation expertise, designed to optimize flight operations with precision and safety at the forefront,” he said.
Advocate Nyengedza said the system provides real-time flight information from multiple feeds.
“Active displays show the latest movement details to each department and keep all staff up to date, thereby improving communication and removing manual intervention, which releases staff for other tasks. Critically, it allows all stakeholders to have a real-time view of our operations to ensure timely intervention that should result in a surge in our operational efficiency.
“Allow me to focus our attention on the Khami Prestige Lounge. This lounge is not merely a new facility; it is a powerful statement. A statement about our ambition as NHS, our commitment to excellence, and our unwavering focus on the future of travel and hospitality in Zimbabwe and across our region.”
Advocate Nyengedza then introduces the guest of honour, who is Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona.
Giant steps in Zimbabwe’s aviation revitalization
In his remarks, Minister Mhona said this occasion marks yet another milestone in the strategic recapitalization of the National Handling Services (NHS) and the overall quality of the country’s aviation infrastructure.
“This event is not only a milestone for the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, but also a powerful statement of our commitment to providing world-class service across the aviation value chain, from passenger experience to airline operations.
“The Khami Prestige Lounge, now open at RGMI Airport Gate 11 of the International Terminal, is a first-class facility aligned with global trends and tailored to meet the expectations of the modern traveller, thus setting a new benchmark for airport hospitality in Zimbabwe.
“Inspired by our own Khami Ruins, Khami Prestige celebrates Zimbabwe’s identity, incorporating local design and cultural elements, helping to create an authentic and memorable experience for travellers from around the world.
“This facility directly contributes to achieving the outcomes of NDS 1 under the Transport, Infrastructure and Utilities pillar, which seeks to create a robust and efficient transport system that underpins Zimbabwe’s commitment to achieving a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society in line with Vision 2030 as espoused by President Mnangagwa
“NDS I recognizes that a strong transport system is vital for economic growth as it facilitates trade, attracts investment, and supports the overall economy,” he said.
Minister Mhona said the commissioning of the ground support equipment is a major step forward in the recapitalisation of our national aviation infrastructure.
“The support equipment includes modern baggage handling equipment, transporters, baggage tow tugs; and support vehicles essential to efficient airport operations.
“Some of the equipment has already been dispatched to Victoria Falls Airport and Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport. These investments are crucial in ensuring that airlines operating in and out of Zimbabwe receive timely, reliable, and professional service.
“This directly enhances operational efficiency, on-time performance and airline satisfaction, thereby making Zimbabwean airports more competitive in the region,” Minister Mhona said.
Tourism Minister applauds stakeholders for working together
Minister Rwodzi is now giving the vote of thanks.
She applauded Government officials and various stakeholders for attending the event and their unwavering support.
