National Aviation Services (NAS) – one of the fastest growing aviation services provider’s in the emerging markets – has opened a Pearl Lounge at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Zambia.
The 588 sq.m. facility includes comfortable seating, food and beverages, free Wi-Fi and a children’s play area. It is part of five-year tender awarded to NAS and NAC2000 in 2021 to build and operate a departure lounge catering to passengers travelling out from Lusaka in the airport’s new terminal, which opened in August last year. The tender is in line with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited’s (ZACL’s) efforts to upgrade its international airports.
Frederick Mwalusaka, Zambian Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, applauded the joint venture between NAS and NAC200 saying: “This is a good example of local and foreign partnerships that create more quality products and services and employment opportunities in Zambia. It is the hope that such ventures within our new airport are the beginning of a new era for travel from Lusaka.”
Describing the launch as “significant,” Guy Michel Yazbek, Group Director, Lounges & Meet and Assist Services at NAS underlined that with the airport serving as a hub for domestic and international flights “the new lounge is the perfect space for passengers to relax and unwind or catch up on last minute work before they fly.” He also reiterated NAS’ commitment to Zambia and its willingness to expand its participation in the Zambian aviation industry.
The new Pearl Lounge is one of over 50 lounges operated by NAS across its network in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. Its extended portfolio of services includes comprehensive ground handling, cargo management, technology solutions and training among others, currently serving more than 100 airline customers across more than 60 airports.
