SAHCO Secures Air Algérie Deal to Handle Flights in Lagos, Abuja
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has secured a ground handling contract with Air Algérie, the Algerian national airline, to provide services for its operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The contract further strengthens SAHCO’s position in Nigeria’s aviation ground handling industry, adding another international carrier to its growing list of airline clients and reinforcing its drive to expand its presence in the sector.
Under the agreement, SAHCO will provide comprehensive ground handling services to Air Algérie at both airports, deploying its workforce, ground support equipment and technical expertise to support the airline’s operations.
The company said the partnership reflected the confidence international airlines continued to place in its ability to deliver efficient, safe and reliable services in line with global aviation standards.
The development is significant for SAHCO as it seeks to consolidate its position in a competitive market where ground handling service providers are expected to maintain high operational standards while meeting the changing demands of airlines.
Ground handling companies provide essential support to airlines at airports, including activities associated with aircraft turnaround, baggage handling and other services required to facilitate flight operations.
Efficient handling is critical to operational safety, the management of flight schedules and the quality of passengers’ airport experience.
Speaking on the agreement, SAHCO’s Chairman, Barrister Taiwo Afolabi, said the company was pleased that Air Algérie had selected it to provide ground handling services at the two airports.
Afolabi described the contract as a testament to SAHCO’s reputation for operational excellence and dependable service delivery, adding that the company remained committed to meeting the expectations of its airline partners.
“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,” he said.
According to him, SAHCO would continue to focus on providing seamless ground handling solutions that satisfy the operational requirements of its airline clients and contribute to an improved passenger experience.
The agreement also draws attention to SAHCO’s nationwide operational network, which the company considers one of its major competitive advantages in Nigeria’s aviation services market.
SAHCO said it was the only ground handling company operating at all commercially operated airports in the country, a presence that enables it to serve airlines across multiple locations.
The company said its extensive network supported its ability to maintain consistent service delivery and operational reliability, irrespective of the airport where its services were required.
Its nationwide coverage, combined with investments in equipment and personnel, has formed part of its strategy to attract more domestic and international airlines seeking reliable ground handling partners.
SAHCO also highlighted its continued investment in modern ground support equipment and technology, alongside workforce development, as key measures for strengthening its operational capacity.
The company said these investments were designed to improve service efficiency and ensure its personnel could respond effectively to the evolving technical and operational requirements of airlines.
In addition to operational efficiency, SAHCO said its equipment strategy incorporated alternative power sources and environmentally conscious solutions to support more sustainable aviation operations.
The move reflects growing industry attention to the environmental impact of airport activities and the need for service providers to consider energy-efficient equipment and other measures that could reduce their operational footprint.
Safety, the company said, remained central to its business, with its operations supported by internationally recognised certifications and other industry credentials.
SAHCO 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, which it said demonstrated its commitment to quality management, secure operations and internationally accepted aviation practices.
The Air Algérie agreement adds to the company’s expanding portfolio of international airline partnerships and reinforces its efforts to build relationships with carriers operating in Nigeria.
For Air Algérie, the contract provides a ground handling partner at Lagos and Abuja, two important gateways for international air transport in Nigeria.
For SAHCO, it creates an opportunity to extend its service offering to another foreign carrier and strengthen its standing in the aviation support services market.
The latest development comes as airlines continue to depend on ground handling companies to provide the operational support required for safe and efficient airport operations.
SAHCO said it would continue to leverage its nationwide presence, technical capabilities and customer-focused approach to meet the needs of airline partners while maintaining its commitment to safety, reliability and service excellence.
