Staff Writer 
IN the fiercely competitive aviation industry, one Zimbabwean company has taken off and continues to soar high above the rest — both regionally and internationally.
Aviation Ground Services (AGS), a leader in ground handling services at Zimbabwe’s airports, has carved out a reputation for reliability, innovation, and sustainability.
Founded in the early 2000s, AGS has grown from humble beginnings into a beacon of excellence in Southern Africa’s aviation sector.
With operations across Zimbabwe’s major airports — including Harare, Victoria Falls, and Bulawayo — the company provides essential services such as passenger handling, ramp operations, aircraft cleaning, cargo and warehousing, as well as aviation security.
“Our edge lies in consistent delivery and investment in technology and people,” said AGS acting managing director Togara Mushonga.
“We don’t just move aircraft and cargo; we deliver seamless travel and logistics experiences that meet international standards.”
A cornerstone of AGS’s success has been its unwavering commitment to innovation.
In recent years, the company has introduced state-of-the-art ground handling equipment, adopted digital cargo tracking systems, and implemented biometric staff access controls to enhance operational efficiency and security.
“We recently commissioned electric-powered ground support equipment at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport,” said Mushonga.
“This has not only improved our turnaround times but significantly reduced emissions and noise pollution on the apron.”
The company’s focus on efficiency Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ and innovation has made it the preferred ground handling partner for many international airlines operating in and out of Zimbabwe.
AGS further bolsters this strategic positioning by its commitment to meeting global aviation safety and service standards.
AGS prides itself on building a skilled, motivated, and safety-conscious workforce.
“We invest heavily in staff training and certification, ensuring our team is equipped to handle the evolving demands of the aviation industry,” said Mushonga.
“Every handler, from ramp agents to supervisors, understands that safety and service excellence are non-negotiable.”
He added that the company is also embracing diversity and youth empowerment, with over 45 percent of their workforce under the age of 35 and a growing number of women in technical and leadership roles.
In line with global trends and Zimbabwe’s own climate agenda, AGS is taking measurable steps to reduce its environmental footprint.
From investing in electric ground handling vehicles to adopting paperless operational systems, the company is integrating sustainability into its core strategy.
“We recognise the critical role we play in reducing aviation’s environmental impact,” Mushonga said.
“Our move towards green operations isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting the future of our planet and our industry.”
AGS has also partnered with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) to monitor and manage waste and emissions across its operational zones.
Plans are underway to introduce solar-powered lighting systems at its warehousing and maintenance facilities.
Despite the economic challenges facing Zimbabwe, AGS remains optimistic and forward-looking.
The company is already expanding its footprint beyond borders and eyeing partnerships in neighboring markets such as Zambia, Mozambique, and Botswana.
“We believe that Zimbabwe can serve as a regional hub for aviation logistics and cargo,” said Mushonga.
“With the right infrastructure and policy support, we can connect Southern Africa to the rest of the world more efficiently.”
AGS is also in discussions to expand its cold chain logistics services — vital for Zimbabwe’s horticultural and pharmaceutical exports — through a proposed temperature-controlled cargo terminal in Harare.
As the aviation industry recovers from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, AGS is positioning itself not just to rebound but to lead the charge into a more resilient and connected future.
“The skies are opening up again, and we’re ready,” Mushonga added.
“Our focus is on smart growth, sustainable practices, and offering unmatched service to our airline partners and passengers. We aim to be the ground handler of choice not just in Zimbabwe but across Africa.”
With such a forward-thinking outlook and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Aviation Ground Services is indeed setting the bar high — proving that Zimbabwe’s aviation sector has world-class potential.
