The management of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at improving operational efficiency, aviation safety and passenger experience within Nigeria’s airport environment.
This formed the focus of discussions when the Managing Director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, led members of the company’s executive management team on a courtesy visit to BASL, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both organisations and served as a platform to deliberate on critical operational issues affecting airport management and ground handling services in the country.
Areas discussed during the engagement included operational efficiency, safety management systems, infrastructure expansion, technological innovation, operational coordination, stakeholder collaboration and improved passenger processing procedures.
Receiving the SAHCO delegation, the Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services at BASL, Remi Jibodu, underscored the need for stronger cooperation among stakeholders within the aviation value chain.
He stated that sustained collaboration among airport operators, airlines, ground handlers and regulatory agencies remained essential to maintaining seamless airport operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
According to Jibodu, MMA2 has continued to prioritise the development of a safe, efficient and passenger-friendly airport environment through strategic investments in operational systems and infrastructure.
He explained that BASL had intensified efforts to improve airport performance through real-time operational monitoring systems, performance reporting frameworks and stakeholder accountability mechanisms designed to ensure smoother passenger movement and reduced congestion within the terminal.
The BASL official added that continuous infrastructure upgrades and improved baggage handling processes were also contributing to better on-time performance and enhanced passenger experience at the terminal.
Speaking during the meeting, Aboderin expressed optimism over the future relationship between both organisations, especially following the recent settlement announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development concerning BASL.
She noted that the development would open new opportunities for collaboration, operational efficiency and long-term growth within the aviation sector.
Aboderin stated that SAHCO considered strategic partnerships with airport operators and other stakeholders critical to achieving sustainable industry growth and service excellence.
She observed that the aviation industry functions as an interconnected ecosystem where efficiency in one segment directly impacts the performance of others.
According to her, SAHCO is currently expanding and modernising its operations through investments in advanced Ground Support Equipment, digital technology solutions, personnel training and customer service enhancement initiatives.
She disclosed that the company was equally strengthening operational discipline, safety culture and soft skills development among its workforce to meet increasing industry expectations and international standards.
The SAHCO Managing Director further revealed that additional monitoring systems and engagement initiatives were being introduced to minimise operational risks, improve airside coordination and enhance turnaround efficiency.
On the issue of sector-wide expansion, Aboderin stressed the importance of introducing an effective slot management system as passenger and aircraft traffic continue to rise across Nigerian airports.
She explained that such a system would improve operational planning, equipment deployment and turnaround time while reducing operational pressure on stakeholders operating within the airport environment.
According to her, the proposed slot management framework would also contribute significantly to better passenger experience and improved coordination among airport service providers.
The meeting also examined concerns surrounding apron safety, fatigue management, equipment movement, behavioural compliance among airside personnel and operational discipline.
Both organisations agreed on the need for stricter safety oversight, continuous personnel training, counselling programmes and improved monitoring systems to reduce operational incidents and strengthen safety compliance.
They also explored opportunities for leveraging technology and shared operational platforms to improve communication, operational coordination and data visibility among airlines, airport operators and ground handling companies.
At the end of the meeting, both SAHCO and BASL reaffirmed their resolve to sustain collaboration aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure, operational reliability, safety standards and overall service delivery within Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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