Turkish aviation services company Çelebi Aviation completed the acquisition of 100 percent of Transglobal Cargo Centre Limited, a company operating at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), in a deal valued at Ksh5.2 billion ($40.1 million).
Marking Çelebi Aviation’s entry into Kenya, the acquisition gives the company control of the airport-based business, which provides ground handling, air-cargo and warehousing services.
The company was previously associated with Kenyan businessman Peter Muthoka, with the transaction transferring full ownership to Çelebi Aviation.
According to Çelebi, the acquisition is part of its international expansion strategy and will strengthen collaboration among its group companies while expanding its operations in Africa.
Transglobal Cargo Centre is a major cargo handler at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, accounting for 33 percent of export cargo compared with Kenya Airways Cargo’s 22 percent share. It also handles roughly 20 percent of Kenya’s imported air freight.
Operating under the Africa Flight Services (AFS) name in Embakasi, Nairobi, the company employs several hundred people.
What Çelebi Aviation Does
Founded in 1958, Çelebi Aviation has more than 65 years of experience in the aviation services industry.
The company provides ground handling, cargo handling and warehouse management services, alongside passenger services, general aviation operations and premium aviation services.
Its operations cover more than 60 airports worldwide, while it serves approximately 400 airline customers.
Before entering Kenya, the company had operations in Germany, Hungary, Indonesia and Türkiye. The acquisition of AFS adds Kenya to its international network and represents its first operation in the country.
Also Read: Turkish Firm Exits Tanzania Months After Entering Kenya Cargo Market
Operations in Kenya
Çelebi Aviation Kenya began ground handling and cargo operations in the country following its acquisition of Transglobal Cargo Centre (TCC) on December 23, 2025.
Its Nairobi warehouse covers 12,350 square metres and includes 3,300 square metres of temperature-controlled storage space. The facility has 159 ULD pallet positions and an annual cargo handling capacity of 275,000 tonnes.
Operations are supported by an Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system and a fleet of ground support equipment capable of handling aircraft of up to Airbus A380 size.
The Kenyan team is led by Thierry Maillot, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer, while Murat Andaç is the Head of Operations.
The local management team also includes Catherine Mathew, Senior Accountant, and Samson Odawo, Duty Officer.
Also Read: The Billionaires Of Kenya: Peter Muthoka, Founder and CEO, Acceler Global Logistics
Who is Peter Muthoka?
Peter Muthoka is a Kenyan businessman with interests in logistics and freight forwarding and has also been associated with politics in the Ukambani region.
He founded Acceler Global Logistics in 1991 and has overseen its growth into a major logistics and supply chain company operating across Kenya and international markets.
Acceler provides a range of logistics services, including customs clearance, freight forwarding, warehousing, transportation and distribution. Its operations also cover ocean freight and other supply chain services.
The company operates in more than 150 countries and employs over 5,000 people, with its headquarters at Acceler Towers near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Acceler is affiliated with several industry and international organizations, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), Kenya International Freight and Warehousing Association (KIFWA) and the United Nations Global Compact.
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