Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc has consolidated its position as one of Nigeria’s leading ground handling companies, recording a strong mix of commercial growth, safety achievements and industry recognition in 2025.
In a statement made available to The PUNCH by the company’s publicist, Vanessa Uansohia, on Friday, the company announced that it onboarded new airline customers during the year, cutting across domestic, regional, and international operations.
According to the firm, the newly signed carriers include Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania and Air Algérie, alongside ValueJet Airlines and United Nigeria Airlines, whose regional operations were added to their existing domestic services.
Other airlines that commenced handling operations with SAHCO in 2025 include Pioneer Airlines, Binani Airlines and ExeJet/Enugu Air.
The company said it also expanded its international footprint by handling Air Peace’s long-haul operations to Antigua and Barbados.
In the area of safety and quality assurance, SAHCO recorded milestones with the successful renewal of its International Air Transport Association Safety Audit for Ground Operations certification.
The ISAGO certification is regarded globally as a key benchmark for safety and operational excellence in ground handling.
The company further confirmed that its Regulated Agent certification remains valid until 2027, underscoring its continued compliance with international aviation security standards.
The statement read, “SAHCO renewed its Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria certification and its Quality Management System certification in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to structured processes, safety culture and risk management.
“Human capital development also featured prominently in the company’s activities during the year. Our Training School Authorisation was renewed, enabling it to continue training aviation professionals to industry standards. Plans are underway to expand the training school and enhance its curriculum in 2026, in line with global best practices and emerging industry requirements.”
SAHCO says its performance in 2025 attracted multiple awards and recognitions from both local and international bodies. These include the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Safety Excellence Award and the Aircraft Handling Service Achievement Award from the Nigerian Aviation Ground Handling Association.
“We were also named Aviation Service Provider of the Year by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology and Best Ground Support Service Company of the Year at the Nigeria International Air Show. In addition, SAHCO received the Ground Support Equipment Certification of Recognition from IATA,” it further stated.
Internationally, British Airways recognised SAHCO’s Abuja Station with a Bronze Award and its Lagos Station with a Gold Award for outstanding punctuality and safety performance across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.
Looking ahead, SAHCO outlined a growth-focused strategy for 2026, with emphasis on operational excellence, revenue expansion and business diversification. Key priorities include expanding cargo handling services, strengthening partnerships with state-owned airports, pursuing additional industry and international certifications, and deepening engagement with airline partners across markets.
These initiatives are anchored on the company’s 4Ps Strategy for 2026, which are People, Process, Performance and Platform, “designed to build a skilled workforce, standardise operations, leverage data-driven performance management and develop an integrated digital and operational platform.”