1. Can you give us an overview of Madagascar Ground Handling’s core services and the critical role it plays in the country’s aviation ecosystem?
Madagascar Ground Handling was established in 2016 to provide ground handling services at three international airports in Madagascar: Antananarivo (Ivato), Nosy Be (Fascene), and Diego Suarez (Arrachart). Our services include ground handling, passenger and baggage handling, cargo handling, and international private flight handling. We are the first and last point of contact for passengers and crew arriving in Madagascar, and we play a central role in the country’s aviation experience.
2. How has MGH adapted its operations to meet international standards in safety, security, and efficiency across these three airports?
We are proud to have recently renewed our ISAGO certification (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) for the next two years, which demonstrates our strong commitment to global ground handling standards.
To meet the expectations of airlines operating in Madagascar and IATA guidelines, all of our staff undergo regular, role-specific training. We rely on IATA- and ICAO-certified instructors, as well as airline-specific trainers, to ensure compliance with the individual standards of each carrier.
3. What steps is the company taking to modernize its equipment and digital systems to better serve international carriers?
We renew our ground support equipment (GSE) on an annual basis, which includes aircraft loaders, potable water trucks, lavatory servicing units, and more.
Additionally, we are transitioning toward electric GSE to align with environmental protection goals and reduce our carbon footprint.
On the digital front, we are implementing an integrated quality and safety management system, and moving toward greater digitalization of our internal operations and communication processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
4. As global tourism rebounds, how is MGH preparing to support increased passenger and cargo traffic, especially in key hubs like Ivato and Nosy Be?
Over the past two years, we have renewed our entire GSE fleet to meet growing demand. We are also enhancing the quality, safety, efficiency, and reliability of our services through several key initiatives:
These efforts help ensure a seamless experience for both passengers and crew.
5. What are the main challenges MGH faces in operating across multiple regional airports, and how do you ensure consistent service quality?
Each airport presents different infrastructure conditions, and regional climates vary across Madagascar. These differences require us to adapt our procedures, equipment, and operational methods to each specific environment.
Ensuring consistency in service quality despite these regional disparities is a challenge, but one we address through standardized training, ongoing performance monitoring, and the flexibility of our teams on the ground.
6. How is your organization investing in human capital in terms of training, recruitment, and workforce development?
MGH is a 100% Malagasy-owned and operated company. All of our employees and stakeholders are from Madagascar, and we currently employ approximately 350 people.
We place a strong emphasis on local hiring in regional areas, for instance, when hiring in Nosy Be, we recruit directly from the local population rather than from Antananarivo.
We also support the next generation through internship programs for students across the country.
7. What is your vision for the company’s regional role? Could MGH become a logistics and ground handling hub for the Indian Ocean region?
For now, our priority is to expand nationally, by obtaining the necessary approvals to operate at additional airports across Madagascar.
Once this national expansion is fully established, we plan to explore regional opportunities across the Indian Ocean. We believe there is real potential to position MGH as a key ground handling player in the wider region.
8. Do you see opportunities for partnerships or investment from UAE- and Gulf-based aviation, logistics, or infrastructure stakeholders?
We are open to such opportunities. One of our current suppliers, TLD, is based in the UAE, and we already have working relationships in place.
In the future, we would welcome partnerships in areas such as training, maintenance, and GSE modernization. While airport infrastructure falls under the purview of Ravinala Airports, we are open to exploring collaboration that strengthens our services and elevates Madagascar’s aviation capabilities to international levels.
9. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about why global aviation stakeholders should consider Madagascar and MGH as strategic partners for regional growth and connectivity?
As the first and last point of contact for travelers entering and leaving Madagascar, we at MGH are committed to delivering quality, safe, and efficient ground handling services aligned with international standards.
We strive every day to ensure a professional, warm, and seamless experience for passengers and crew. Through continuous training, equipment renewal, and digital transformation, we contribute directly to improving the attractiveness of Madagascar’s airports to international airlines.
In recognition of our commitment, MGH has received the Best Staff Award for two consecutive years (2023 & 2024), a reflection of the passion and professionalism of our team.
We are equally committed to serving private aviation clients, and we look forward to expanding our footprint and partnerships in the years ahead.
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