SAHCO reaffirms commitment to operational excellence, unveils 2026 growth strategy
By Seun Ibiyemi
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence, ethical practices, innovation and sustainable growth as it reviewed its achievements in 2025 and outlined strategic priorities for 2026 and beyond.
In a New Year message issued on behalf of its Chairman, Board of Directors and Executive Management, the company expressed appreciation to its customers for their continued patronage and trust throughout 2025, noting that strong customer partnerships remain central to SAHCO’s long-term success.
The company pledged to continue listening closely to customers, delivering superior services and consistently exceeding expectations.
SAHCO also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders and partner government agencies, stating that their collaboration was instrumental to its ability to serve customers effectively and achieve shared goals.
Highlighting internal accomplishments, the company commended the dedication and professionalism of its workforce nationwide, attributing major operational milestones in 2025 to their teamwork and commitment.
Among these achievements was the successful renewal of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification.
SAHCO also confirmed that its Regulated Agent (RA3) certification remains valid until 2027, while its Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) and Quality Management System (QMS) certifications were renewed in 2025.
The company further disclosed that its Training School Authorization was renewed in 2025, with plans underway to expand the school and enhance its curriculum offerings in 2026 in line with global best practices.
On business expansion, SAHCO revealed that it onboarded several new airline customers in 2025, including Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, Air Algérie, ValueJet Airlines and United Nigeria Airlines’ regional routes, in addition to Pioneer Airlines, Binani Airlines, ExeJet/Enugu Air and Air Peace for its Antigua and Barbados operations.
SAHCO’s performance during the year also earned it multiple industry recognitions, including the FAAN Safety Excellence Award, Aircraft Handling Service Achievement Award from the National Institute for Ground Handling in Nigeria (NIGAV), Aviation Service Provider of the Year from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and Best Ground Support Service Company of the Year at the Nigeria International Air Show.
The company also received a Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Certification of Recognition from IATA. In addition, British Airways awarded SAHCO’s Abuja Station a Bronze Award and its Lagos Station a Gold Award for punctuality and safety across the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions.
In line with its sustainability agenda, SAHCO said it commenced the phased replacement of ageing equipment with eco-friendly alternatives in 2025 and would continue the initiative in 2026, while maintaining full environmental and sustainability compliance across its facilities.
Looking ahead, the company disclosed that its 2026 strategy will focus on operational excellence, revenue growth and business expansion. Key initiatives include expanding cargo services, strengthening partnerships with state airports, pursuing new certifications, deepening engagement with local, regional and international airline partners, and enhancing customer engagement while diversifying into new business lines across the aviation value chain.
SAHCO explained that these priorities are anchored on its “4Ps Strategy” for 2026, People, Process, Performance and Platform aimed at building a highly skilled, safety-driven workforce, standardising operating procedures, leveraging data-driven analytics to boost performance and revenue, and developing an integrated digital and operational platform.
The company reaffirmed that as it steps into 2026, it remains focused on reimagining excellence with ethics at the core, innovation in action and adaptability for sustainable success, while wishing all stakeholders and partners a prosperous and healthy New Year.