SAHCO to expand into new aviation business lines as part of growth strategy

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and a long-term strategic road map aimed at strengthening its position as a leading ground handling company in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia, and issued on Wednesday in Lagos, the company said it plans to diversify into new business lines across the aviation value chain as part of its growth agenda.

According to the statement, SAHCO’s 2026 operations will be guided by a strategic framework described as the “4Ps”. These include people, with a focus on building a highly skilled and safety-driven workforce; process, through the standardisation and strict enforcement of operating procedures; performance, by leveraging data-driven analytics to enhance revenue; and platform, involving the development of an integrated digital system to connect equipment and operational data.

The company noted that 2025 was marked by significant fleet expansion and international recognition, while executive management would continue to prioritise sustainability, digital innovation and business diversification.

As part of its sustainability drive, the statement said SAHCO would maintain its transition towards green aviation, including the phased replacement of ageing Ground Support Equipment with more eco-friendly alternatives.

Looking ahead, the company disclosed plans to expand its cargo handling offerings and upgrade its training school to align with global best practices in aviation ground operations.

On safety and quality standards, the statement confirmed that SAHCO successfully renewed its IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations certification. It also said the company’s Regulated Agent certification remains valid until 2027, while its Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria and Quality Management System certifications were renewed in 2025.

Highlighting key achievements in 2025, the statement said British Airways honoured SAHCO’s Abuja station with a Bronze Award and its Lagos station with a Gold Award for punctuality and safety across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions. Other milestones included the FAAN Safety Excellence Award, Aviation Service Provider of the Year award from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and a Ground Support Equipment Certification of Recognition from IATA.

On fleet growth and strategic partnerships, SAHCO said it significantly strengthened its portfolio in 2025 by onboarding new international and regional domestic carriers. These included Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, Air Algérie, as well as Nigerian operators Air Peace, ValueJet and United Nigeria Airlines.