GAS says its growing footprint in Africa is a result of—and is contributing to—its ability to recruit and retain the right people.
GENEVA—General Aviation Services, the specialist African private aviation trip support provider, is celebrating its 40th anniversary at the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition here (EBACE 2024) by announcing an expanded operational footprint.
The company, which offers ground handling, fuel services and assistance with landing and overflight permits, now has a permanent presence in Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. These augment a network that already included countries such as Comoros, Rwanda and Tanzania. GAS already had a presence in the new locations, so it knew there was demand from existing customers.
“We are going there to find a solution and making sure we’re supporting our clients well and going beyond their expectations,” said Hussein Qubah, GAS director of operations and network development. “They’re our clients already, and we’re used to supporting them at other locations, but we add value and make sure that they’re happier by us being there.”
Previously, GAS had met client needs in Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique through partnerships with third-party individuals and organizations. Staffing the expansion was a challenge. Opening new offices requires finding people who have not only the right experience, but also the ethos that GAS requires.
“We’re becoming a big company, so most people are interested to work with us,” Qubah said. “All the new staff have aviation backgrounds, so what we’re doing during the interviews is, firstly, making sure they’ll be able to work with other team members. Secondly, we consider those applicants with a mentality that tallies with our culture. That culture is developed based on clients’ requirements. And, finally, there’s the training.”
“Training is the key, especially with the knowledge the company has got in-house,” said Craig Middleton, GAS director of business development. “It has to be right. We offer a white-glove service all over Africa, and having the right people to do that, and that knowledge of operating in Africa, is critical.”
The company is finding that the expansion of the network is going down well with EBACE attendees. The company was a first-time exhibitor in 2023 and has found that the return visit has been worth the considerable cost.
“It’s very expensive to travel, and a lot of our guys are coming across from Africa,” Middleton noted. “But the first day was really, really good—very busy—and we have lots of meetings planned for the second day as well. There’s been a lot of excitement about the new locations. That’s given us a great talking point.”
Related Content
