BASL, SAHCO Seek Stronger Operational Synergy to Improve Safety, Passenger Experience at MMA2
Efforts to strengthen operational efficiency, safety standards and passenger experience within Nigeria’s aviation sector received a boost as Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) renewed their commitment to deeper collaboration and industry-wide cooperation.
The renewed commitment emerged during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of SAHCO, Adenike Aboderin, and members of the company’s executive management team to BASL, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.
The high-level engagement brought together officials from both organisations for discussions centred on improving operational coordination, enhancing airport safety systems, expanding infrastructure and deploying technology-driven solutions to support efficient airport operations.
Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services at BASL, Remi Jibodu, stressed the importance of continuous engagement among stakeholders within the aviation industry.
He said sustainable collaboration among airport operators, airlines and ground handling firms remained vital to achieving seamless airport operations and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction.
Jibodu explained that BASL had continued to focus on building a safe and passenger-friendly airport environment through continuous operational improvements and infrastructure enhancement projects at MMA2.
According to him, the company had introduced enhanced operational monitoring systems and real-time performance reporting frameworks aimed at improving accountability, passenger processing, baggage handling efficiency and on-time performance.
He noted that reducing congestion and ensuring smooth passenger flow within the airport terminal remained key priorities for BASL as traffic volumes continue to increase.
In her remarks, Aboderin described collaboration within the aviation ecosystem as essential for achieving operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
She congratulated BASL on the recent settlement announcement by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and expressed optimism that the development would create fresh opportunities for stronger partnerships and future expansion.
The SAHCO Managing Director stated that the company remained committed to aligning its operational objectives with those of airport operators and other critical stakeholders in order to improve service delivery across the sector.
She revealed that SAHCO was currently investing significantly in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), digital solutions, workforce development and customer service initiatives to keep pace with evolving airline requirements and global industry standards.
Aboderin added that the company was also intensifying efforts to strengthen safety culture, operational discipline and soft skills development among employees, particularly personnel operating on the airside.
She explained that additional monitoring systems and engagement strategies were being implemented to reduce operational risks, improve coordination and enhance efficiency during aircraft turnaround operations.
Speaking on the need for improved operational planning within the sector, Aboderin advocated the introduction of a proper slot management system to support increasing traffic demands at Nigerian airports.
According to her, the planned slot management framework would improve turnaround efficiency, equipment deployment, operational coordination and overall airport planning while reducing unnecessary pressure on service providers.
She added that the initiative would ultimately contribute to smoother airport operations and a better experience for passengers.
The meeting also featured discussions on apron safety, fatigue management, behavioural compliance among operational personnel, equipment movement and the need to maintain strict operational discipline within the airport environment.
Both organisations agreed that continuous training programmes, stronger monitoring systems, counselling initiatives and improved safety oversight were necessary to minimise operational incidents and sustain high safety standards.
The parties further explored ways of leveraging shared technology platforms to improve communication, operational visibility and data sharing among airlines, airport operators and ground handling companies.
At the conclusion of the meeting, SAHCO and BASL reaffirmed their determination to continue working together towards enhancing infrastructure development, operational reliability, safety management and service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
