Astra gains Mozambique ground handling licence

Astra Aviation Services has been issued with a licence to provide ground handling services for passengers, aircraft, cargo, and mail in Mozambique.
The licence was issued by the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM), the country’s recognised Civil Aviation Authority, and is effective immediately.
UK-based Astra, a flight services provider for Africa, said that it can now bring “in-house” services that it previously had to sub-contract.
Phil Eyre, managing director of Astra, said: “Fees and charges in Mozambique can be complex and high, particularly for the freight operators. We are aiming to help them demystify the charges and make their operations less complicated with our local dedicated knowledge and experience.”
Astra has also been granted a renewal of its operating licence to continue working as a flight support company at Conarky International Airport (Gbessia International Airport) in the north west African country of Guinea.
Astra’s current scope of work involves handling heads of state and government charter activity. It also continues to support freight operators assisting the aid effort to counter the issues associated with Ebola.
Added Eyre: “Conarky is often regarded as a high cost destination with a complicated airport fee structure. For foreign aircraft operators it is a real advantage to have on the ground, local, expertise that can provide reliable advice about fees and infrastructure changes.
“Ebola took its toll on the economy so with reduced business opportunities those that do fly in must ensure they seek advice on all aspects of their operations. We really can support our customers from first-hand experience and that’s invaluable to them,” says Eyre.
Astra has a network of national offices in Nigeria, Angola, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia, in addition to the support of its partners or associates in every African country.