GIA receives Brussels airlines award

The Gambia International Airlines (GIA) last week Friday evening received Brussels Airlines award as the most passionate and improving handling company within their African Network in the year 2008.

Speaking at the award ceremony, GIA's spokesman Mr. Baboucarr Fatty said the idea of handling started in 2003 when Brussels Airlines instituted a framework of a scheme to acknowledge and honour any handling company that proves to be the most passionate within their African network.

According to PRO Fatty, each year a total of 10 different awards are contested among 16 handlers in Europe and Africa, including Brussels.

In his speech, the acting Managing Director of GIA, Mr. Bakary Nyassi said the award is in recognition and endorsement of his company's passion for excellence in their service delivery chain. He noted that it is also a call to action for the GIA to reach for higher heights in its service delivery.

The conferment of this award by an independent assessor, Mr. Nyassi added, reassures GIA that they are on track and must continue to discover new frontiers year after year. He said Brussels Airlines has become GIA's longest serving customer in ground handling, including both passenger and ramp under/over wing operations.

According to Mr. Nyassi, his company's partnership entails training of GIA staff in Banjul and in Brussels on areas such as Mass and Balance, Dangerous Goods Regulations and Departure Control System check-in.

For his part, the Station Manager for Brussels Airlines Banjul office, Mr. Ben Yawson said the business cooperation between GIA and Brussels Airlines dates back to the days of Sabena through SN Brussels Airlines to the present Brussels Airlines. He said it is a strategic cooperation, aimed at overcoming numerous challenges faced within the aviation industry.

Mrs. Awa Samba Jeng, acting Sr. Station Manager GIA gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the GIA.