National Aviation Services (NAS), the region’s fastest growing private airline ground handling company announced that it has been appointed the official Ground Handling Agent for Ethiopian Airlines, one of the fastest growing air carriers in the African continent. According to this agreement, NAS will provide Ethiopian Airlines with passenger services, cargo services, ramp handling and lounge services at the Kuwait International Airport.

The strategic agreement was signed by Mr. Eskinder Alemu, Director Ground Services, and Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chief Executive Officer of NAS. The opening was graced by officials of NAS, Ethiopian Airlines and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Kuwait.

Ethiopian Airlines operates five flights a week between Kuwait International Airport and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia operating a fleet of Boeings. The airline serves a total of 58 destinations worldwide including 37 destinations in Africa making it one of the largest air carriers in the continent.

From a statement given by Mr. Eskinder Alemu, Director Ground Services, it is indicating that “Ethiopian Airlines is an award winning airline that strives to maintain high standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction. The recent agreement with NAS is aimed at enhancing Ethiopian services in Kuwait”.

“Ethiopian Airlines is an award winning airline and has high standards of quality, safety and customer satisfaction” quoted Hassan El Houry, CEO of NAS. "Being a young ground handling company in Kuwait has certainly not deterred us from expecting a global standard from ourselves. It is our track record of quality services provided on-time that has made us the region's leading ground handling company" added El Houry

“The recent economic growth in Africa has resulted in an increase in air traffic to Ethiopia and other African nations, especially from Kuwait. Ethiopian Airlines being one of the largest carriers in the continent is able to bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the world by utilizing its connections within the continent.” concluded El Houry.

NAS is continuing to provide quality service and establish itself as the preferred Ground Handler at Kuwait International Airport.” quoted Bruce Richterkessing, GM & Chief Operating Officer of NAS Kuwait. “The addition of Ethiopian Airlines to our existing portfolio of customer airlines further underscores our ability to win customers in a very competitive environment.  Ethiopian Airlines is a major airline serving a total of 59 destinations worldwide including 37 destinations within Africa” concluded Richterkessing.

About National Aviation Services

The NAS Group headquartered in Kuwait in an internationally reputed and award winning aviation services provider to airlines and airports worldwide. From its initial operations in Kuwait, it has increased its global footprint to include Jordan and the Indian sub-continent where it currently operates at twelve airports including the Mumbai International Airport.

NAS prides itself in providing world class aviation solutions and is affiliated with leading industry organizations like IATA, IGHC, GASA, IAHA, ACI & EASA and follows practices of ISAGO, ISO, EMS & OHSAS. For more info visit www.nascorporate.com

About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, one of the largest and fastest growing airlines in Africa, made its maiden flight to Cairo in 1946. With the recent addition of flight services to Pointe Noire, Ethiopian provides dependable services to 37 cities in Africa and a total of 58 international destinations spanning throughout four continents. Ethiopian won the NEPAD Transport Infrastructure Excellence Awards 2009 on November 25, 2009 and "Airline of the Year" award from the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) on November 24, 2009, bringing the total Awards honored since January 2009 to five. In August, 2008, Ethiopian won "the 2008 Corporate Achievement Award" of Aviation & Allied Business for setting the pace towards the development and growth of the African aviation industry. Ethiopian is also the first African carrier to win the 2008 Brussels Airport Company Award in recognition of its distinguished long haul operations witnessed through the introduction of new routes, new products, and close cooperation with Brussels Airport in marketing activities.

Ethiopian is one of the airlines, in the world, operating the newest and youngest fleets. For more info visit www.ethiopianairlines.com