National Aviation Services (NAS) (www.NAS.aero) and NAC2000 Corporation launched their Pearl Lounge today at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The lounge located in the new terminal is part of the efforts of Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) to modernize the country’s international airports. Last June, ZACL awarded a five-year tender to NAS and NAC2000 to build and operate an exclusive departure lounge for passengers arriving from Lusaka. The 588 square meter Pearl Lounge includes comfortable seating, food and beverage, free Wi-Fi and a children’s play area, among other facilities.
A number of dignitaries including Mr. Frederick Mwalusaka, Permanent Secretary of the Zambian Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Mr. Gabriel Lesa, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Zambia and Ms. Maggie Banda, Chief Executive Officer by of the ZACL, attended the launch event. In his opening speech, Mr. Mwalusaka said, “I would like to applaud this joint venture between NAS and NAC2000. It is a good example of local and foreign partnerships creating more quality products and services and employment opportunities in Zambia. We hope that such ventures within our new airport will usher in a new era for travel from Lusaka.
All international flights departing from Lusaka will depart from KKIA’s new terminal, which opened in August 2021. This includes major international airlines including Air France – KLM in partnership with Kenya Airways, Airlink, Air Tanzania, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Proflight Zambia, Qatar, Rwanda Air and South African Airlines. Zambia Airways, the recently relaunched national carrier, operates from this airport and other airlines are also expected to open routes to Zambia.
Guy Michel Yazbek, Group Director, Lounges&Meet and Assist Services at NAS, commented, “We are delighted to be working with ZACL and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics in Zambia. The launch of our new Pearl Lounge is significant. Not only because it is located at the largest airport in Zambia, but also because we won this tender in the midst of a global pandemic when the aviation industry was in decline. KKIA Airport serves as a hub for domestic and international flights and the new lounge is the perfect space for passengers to relax or catch up on last minute work before flying. We take this opportunity to thank ZACL for the trust and confidence in the NAS and NAC2000 partnership. We would also like to highlight NAS’s commitment to Zambia and our desire to expand our participation in the Zambian aviation industry.
National Aviation Services (NAS), a leading airport service provider in emerging markets, is partnering with NAC2000 Corporation, a key ground handling company in Zambia to operate this Pearl Lounge. The new Pearl Lounge is one of more than 50 lounges operated by NAS across its network in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. NAS’ extensive portfolio of services includes comprehensive ground handling, cargo management, technology solutions and training, among others, currently serving more than 100 airline customers at more than 60 airports.
Jonathan Lewis, Managing Director of NAC2000 Corporation, added, “As NAC2000, we are honored to share our participation in this joint venture with NAS and to work with ZACL to deliver world-class lounge service and hospitality through the Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda’s new terminal. international airport.”
NAC2000 Corporation, a Zambian company has been servicing all international airports supporting airlines as well as ad hoc operators for 20 years. It is the only ISAGO registered and certified ground service provider in Zambia and offers warehousing and cold storage services while continuing to evolve and become an industry leader in movement related logistics support service goods and passengers.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Aviation Services (NAS).
Media Contact:
Nita Bhatkar
Email: nbhatkar@nas.aero
Phone. : +965 97223703
About National Aviation Services (NAS):
National Aviation Services (NAS) is the fastest growing aviation services provider in emerging markets. Founded in 2003, NAS quickly grew from a Kuwait-based ground handling company to an emerging market leader in the industry. NAS is present in more than 60 airports in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, managing seven of the world’s top 10 airlines and managing more than 50 airport lounges.
With an employee base of over 10,000 knowledgeable and experienced employees at the heart of its global network, NAS is committed to providing aviation services that compare to the best in the world. NAS’ service portfolio includes ramp and passenger services, cargo management, line engineering and maintenance, airport technologies, fixed base operations, terminal management, aviation training, travel, lounge management and meet and assist packages.
Affiliated with leading industry organizations, NAS follows international aviation standards with certifications of ISO, EMS, RA3 and OHSAS practices. NAS is one of the first ground handling companies in the world to earn IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification illustrating the company’s commitment to providing high quality services, with an emphasis on safety and security.
For more information on NAS, visit: www.NAS.aero
© Press release 2021