LONDON – Leading global air service provider dnata, and Emirates Leisure retail have joined forces in Zanzibar with SEGAP, a joint venture between specialists in airport operations, Egis, and a private equity fund AIIM (African Infrastructure Investment Managers).
They have this week celebrated the launch of their joint operations at Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karma International Airport (ZNZ).
“We’re delighted to celebrate the launch of our airport services and retail offering with our partners at Zanzibar’s new, advanced airport terminal,” Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group and Chairman of Emirates Leisure Retail and MMI, said.
Investment and Expansion
dnata and Emirates Leisure retail are both owned and operated by The Emirates Group, making them sister companies to the Middle Eastern airline.
The expansion has seen dnata provide employment and training to over 340 local people that will make up the team that operates the 120 new pieces of ground support equipment that have been purchased.
“We are confident that our investment, alongside our commitment to safety, quality and service excellence, will provide a major positive impact on Zanzibar’s transport, tourism and trade industries.”
“This in turn will deliver significant benefits for the local community and businesses. We will continue our efforts to consistently deliver world-class services, earn the trust and loyalty of airline customers and travellers, and be an employer of choice in Zanzibar.” Allen continued.
On top of this, dnata are currently managing the erection of a cargo-services facility that is due to be operational in 2024. One that will help boost the local trade and businesses with exports around the world.
Emirates Leisure retail owns and operates over three hundred food and drink outlets across the world comprising of restaurants, cafes and bars. Of the 300 food and beverage shops they operate, 90 of them are within airports around the world.
The Future
Segap has entered into a ten year technical partnership with the airport authority in Zanzibar. The agreement will see them managing both Zanzibar, and neighbouring Pemba airport.
Their ambition is to become a leading African airport operator, one that brings it airports up to the latest international standards and makes air travel in Africa more efficient.
The partnership will be launching a mission that endeavours to make Zanzibar a leading tourism destination. Oliver Baric, the Aviation Director for Africa at Egis said:
“We are delighted to continue our key role in ZAA’s strategic development in cooperation with the airport’s stakeholders, after a successful year of cooperation, where we have contributed to operational improvements to support the growth of tourism in Zanzibar”
Segap has commandeered industry experts improve operational efficiencies, boost financial performance and improve airline route development whilst increasing compliance with international standards by sharing best practice with Egis 20 other airports within its network from around the world.
Baric concluded: “Together and over the next 12 months, we will continue with our endeavours to support the modernisation of facilities, processes and staff needed for Zanzibar to achieve high quality, safety and security services.”
“In order for Zanzibar to be recognised as having an international airport that is an outstanding gateway to a destination that has everything to attract visitors, from world-class beaches to a UNESCO World Heritage site.”
