SAHCO Acquires AmbuLift, Targets Safer Handling of Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has acquired and deployed a high-capacity AmbuLift at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, as part of efforts to improve the safety, accessibility and dignity of passengers with reduced mobility.

SAHCO said the acquisition had positioned it as the only aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to own and operate the specialised equipment, which is designed to facilitate the boarding and disembarkation of passengers who may be unable to use conventional aircraft stairs.

The company said the AmbuLift would particularly benefit wheelchair users and passengers requiring stretcher support, providing a safer and more efficient means of transferring them between the aircraft and the ground.

Unlike conventional passenger boarding arrangements, the AmbuLift uses a hydraulic lifting system to raise an enclosed cabin to the level of an aircraft door.

This allows passengers requiring special assistance to be transferred directly into or out of the aircraft, especially when an aircraft is parked at a remote stand or when a passenger boarding bridge is not available.

The development, according to SAHCO, forms part of its broader commitment to strengthening Passenger Handling services and providing appropriate facilities for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM).

The company said its latest investment also complements its earlier acquisition of Evac-Chairs, which are used to assist passengers with reduced mobility when boarding or disembarking aircraft through steps.

With the addition of the AmbuLift, SAHCO said it had expanded its range of specialised equipment available for passengers requiring additional assistance.

The company’s Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, CON, said the acquisition would eliminate the need for improvised arrangements when assisting passengers with reduced mobility.

“Owning and operating the AmbuLift means we can respond directly to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility rather than improvising,” Afolabi said.

He explained that having the appropriate equipment would enable SAHCO personnel to handle the sensitive aspect of passenger assistance more effectively while reassuring passengers and their families about their safety.

“It gives our teams the right tool to do this sensitive work properly and gives passengers and their families confidence that they will be handled with care from the apron to the aircraft door,” he said.

SAHCO’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said the investment reflected the company’s commitment to placing passengers at the centre of its service delivery.

Aboderin said the AmbuLift represented a significant addition to the company’s operational capacity, particularly in the area of assisting passengers who require additional support.

“The AmbuLift is a significant addition to our operations and demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, dignified and professional services to every passenger, particularly those requiring additional assistance,” she said.

She added that the company’s investment in both the AmbuLift and Evac-Chairs was part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen its PRM handling capabilities.

The company said the acquisition and deployment process involved specialised aviation consultants and ground support equipment experts to ensure that the equipment met the required operational and safety standards.

According to SAHCO, Expavia Aviation Consultants, a UK-based aviation consultancy, provided project advisory and coordination services during the testing, commissioning, certification and training phases.

Ergon Training Center, a European ground support equipment specialist, also conducted theoretical and practical training for SAHCO personnel designated to operate the AmbuLift.

The training included technical inspections and functional checks conducted at MMIA, Lagos, to ensure that the equipment was ready for operational deployment.

Following the completion of the training programme, SAHCO said its designated AmbuLift operators obtained certification in line with IATA AHM 1110 RMP 14m standards.

The company said the certification was an important component of its efforts to ensure that the equipment was operated and maintained according to prescribed safety and operational requirements.

SAHCO also acknowledged the role of British Airways, one of its premium customers, in the process leading to the deployment of the equipment.

According to the handling company, British Airways provided valuable guidance throughout the process, helping to ensure that the AmbuLift’s deployment procedures and operational standards were consistent with global best practices and the requirements of international airlines.

The company said the new equipment would be particularly relevant to airport operations involving aircraft parked away from terminal buildings, where passengers may have to board or disembark using aircraft stairs.

Passengers with reduced mobility can face additional challenges in such circumstances, making specialised ground support equipment essential for safe and dignified transfers.

The AmbuLift provides an enclosed platform that can be raised to aircraft-door level, reducing the need for passengers who cannot safely negotiate aircraft stairs to be manually carried or transferred using less specialised methods.

SAHCO said its focus on PRM services was part of its wider investment programme aimed at improving passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Beyond Passenger Handling, the company provides baggage handling, ramp handling, cargo handling, aviation security and premium lounge services.

The company said its continued investment in equipment, technology, infrastructure and personnel was aimed at strengthening its capacity to deliver safe and efficient services to airlines and passengers.

It said the deployment of the AmbuLift and the earlier acquisition of Evac-Chairs demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that passengers requiring additional assistance were not left behind in efforts to improve aviation services.

SAHCO said it would continue to enhance its operations through modern equipment and personnel development, with the objective of maintaining high safety and service standards across its operations.