Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has expanded its international airline portfolio after securing a ground handling contract from Air Algérie to service the carrier’s operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The agreement strengthens SAHCO’s position in Nigeria’s aviation ground handling market and reflects growing confidence among international airlines in its ability to deliver safe, efficient and reliable services at the country’s major airports.
Announcing the development on Monday, the company said it would provide comprehensive ground handling services to the Algerian airline at both airports, drawing on its trained workforce, modern ground support equipment and operational experience.
The contract represents another milestone in SAHCO’s efforts to expand its relationships with international carriers while consolidating its presence across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Ground handling is an essential component of airline operations, covering a range of activities required to facilitate aircraft turnaround, manage baggage and support passengers and flight operations.
The efficiency of these services can influence flight schedules, operational safety and the overall passenger experience.
SAHCO said its partnership with Air Algérie would be guided by its commitment to internationally accepted aviation standards, operational efficiency and service excellence.
The Chairman of SAHCO, Barrister Taiwo Afolabi, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, describing Air Algérie’s decision as an endorsement of the company’s service delivery and operational capabilities.
“We are delighted that Air Algérie has chosen SAHCO as its ground handling partner in Lagos and Abuja. This confidence reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, operational efficiency and service excellence,” Afolabi said.
He added that the company would continue to provide ground handling solutions that meet the expectations of its airline partners while contributing to a better passenger experience.
SAHCO’s presence across Nigeria’s commercially operated airports remains a key element of its competitive strategy.
The company described itself as the only ground handling service provider with operations at all commercially operated airports in the country, giving it a nationwide network for serving domestic and international airlines.
This extensive coverage, according to the company, enables it to combine a broad operational footprint with consistent service standards across different airport locations.
Its latest agreement with Air Algérie also highlights the importance of ground handling providers in supporting international air connectivity, particularly at Lagos and Abuja, which serve as major gateways for passenger and airline operations.
Beyond its geographical reach, SAHCO said it had continued to invest in modern ground support equipment, technology and employee development to strengthen its capacity to respond to the changing requirements of the aviation industry.
These investments are intended to improve operational efficiency, enhance service reliability and ensure that personnel have the technical capabilities required to support airline operations safely.
The company also disclosed that its equipment strategy incorporates alternative power sources and environmentally conscious solutions as part of its commitment to more sustainable aviation operations.
Environmental sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for the aviation industry, with airlines, airport operators and service providers exploring ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
SAHCO said safety remained central to its operations and pointed to its certifications and industry credentials as evidence of its commitment to quality management, operational security and recognised aviation standards.
The company listed the International Air Transport Association Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), RA3, ISO 900, SON and ISO 27001 among its certifications and standards credentials.
The Air Algérie contract adds to SAHCO’s growing list of international airline partnerships and provides another opportunity for the company to demonstrate its operational capabilities in Nigeria’s competitive aviation services market.
For the Algerian carrier, the arrangement secures ground handling support at two of Nigeria’s principal international airports, while SAHCO stands to strengthen its relationships with foreign airlines through the delivery of reliable services.
The agreement underscores SAHCO’s strategy of leveraging its nationwide presence, investment in equipment and workforce development to attract more airline clients and maintain its position in the country’s ground handling sector.
With international airlines requiring dependable airport support services to sustain their operations, SAHCO said it would continue to prioritise safety, efficiency and service quality as it pursues further growth in the industry.
About The Author
