Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has been celebrated for its unwavering dedication to safe and efficient ground handling operations, earning the Safety Excellence Award at the 2025 Safety Week organised by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The award ceremony, held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, served as a highlight of the week-long programme, which brought together prominent aviation stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening Nigeria’s safety architecture.
SAHCO emerged as one of the key organisations recognised for outstanding leadership in safety compliance and operational excellence.
This year’s Safety Week, themed “Navigating Conflict for a Safer Aviation in Nigeria,” featured robust engagements involving airlines, regulatory bodies, ground handling operators, and safety experts.
Participants examined modern approaches to conflict management, the role of collaboration in mitigating risks, and the importance of embedding safety consciousness into the operational culture of every aviation entity.
Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of the company, Mrs Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, expressed heartfelt appreciation to FAAN for acknowledging the organisation’s continuous efforts to prioritise safety.
“We are truly honoured by this recognition,” she said. “At SAHCO, safety is the foundation on which every operational decision is built. It is not merely a requirement; it is an integral part of our identity. This award reflects the commitment, discipline, and professionalism of all SAHCO staff across the country.”
She emphasised that SAHCO remains committed to intensifying investment in state-of-the-art equipment, training, and process improvement, ensuring that the company consistently aligns with the evolving demands of global aviation safety standards.
SAHCO has long established a strong industry reputation for adhering to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) protocols, positioning itself as a leader in safe, reliable, and efficient ground handling services in Nigeria.
The company’s structured Safety Management System, which features routine internal audits, continuous staff retraining, equipment upgrades, and emergency response preparedness drills, has further strengthened its operational resilience.
These sustained efforts have contributed to SAHCO’s impressive track record of incident-free operations across all airports where it provides services.
The company’s proactive approach to hazard identification, risk mitigation, and compliance has also been widely acknowledged by aviation professionals and regulatory authorities.
FAAN, through the Safety Excellence Award, reaffirmed the critical role SAHCO plays in enhancing the safety culture within the Nigerian aviation ecosystem.
According to organisers of the Safety Week, the award highlights organisations whose operational conduct embodies the principles of safety consciousness, collaboration, and professionalism that are essential to a modern, secure aviation system.
The 2025 Safety Week also provided a platform for celebrating organisations and individuals who continue to support FAAN’s mission of fostering a highly safe and resilient aviation environment. SAHCO’s recognition was described as well-deserved, reflecting years of consistent performance, innovation, and adherence to best practices.
With this achievement, SAHCO has restated its resolve to uphold its corporate values of integrity, excellence, and professionalism while delivering world-class ground handling services to airlines and passengers.
“This award serves as a reminder that our pursuit of excellence must never wane,” Uansohia noted. “We will continue to raise the bar, strengthen our systems, and play our part in ensuring a safer aviation sector for Nigeria and the world.”
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