Passenger and ground handling services at Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports are expected to improve, as Lilongwe Handling Company (LIHACO) has acquired multi-billion kwacha ground support equipment, using own resources as well as assistance from government.

They include two passenger buses, a high loader which handles containerized cargo and two motorized cargo conveyers, and a potable water service vehicle that provides water to aircrafts.

Speaking during the official launch of the equipment, Deputy Minister of Transport, Steven Baba Malondera, praised Lilongwe Handling Company for registering a 1.3 billion kwacha profit in 2024, after being saved by government from liquidation in 2021/2022 financial year.

"This company was almost gone so this is an investment by government to ensure that aviation is being uplifted because in 2020 it made a loss and was on the verge of being close.

"But K2.8 billion was invested just as a bail-out," Malondera said.

He emphasized that airports are direct enablers of government's Agriculture, Tourism, Mining and Manufacturing (ATM+M) strategy, whose primary objective is unlocking sustainable development through investments in the four biased sectors.

The Deputy Transport Minister cautioned. "Many are times when people get overexcited and avoid some few things.

"I'm asking colleagues who are working on the ground to take good care of the equipment."

Speaking earlier, LIHACO Board Chairperson Felix Tandwe, said the company procured two passenger buses and two motorized cargo conveyers at K1.8 billion, while government shouldered the cost of the other equipment.

Tandwe, however said there is more that needs financial support to improve passenger services in the country's airports.

"We need passenger stairs that are used for embarking or disembarking aircrafts, we don't wants passengers using umbrella's when disembarking aircrafts while it's raining," he added.

Germany Ambassador to Malawi, Ute Konig, who was also in attendance at the official launch, hinted that last year's plane crash involving former Vice President Saulos Chilima and others, was an eye-opener that it is imperative to improve safety in the aviation sector.

Lilongwe Handling Company was formulated in 2000, as a subsidiary of defunct Air Malawi, to provide passenger and ground handling services at Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports.