The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has strengthened its position in the aviation services and logistics sector with a series of contract renewals, new airline partnerships and a growing role in international cargo exports, highlighting the company’s expanding footprint beyond traditional ground handling operations.
The latest developments include the renewal of long-standing agreements with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY Airlines, alongside a new multi-year partnership with FlyGabon. The contract extensions reflect continued confidence in NAHCO’s operational capabilities and service standards among leading international carriers operating in Nigeria.
Under the renewed agreements, Qatar Airways extended its partnership with NAHCO for another three years, while Saudia committed to a five-year renewal. Regional carrier ASKY Airlines also renewed its ground handling contract for an additional three-year term, reinforcing a relationship that has spanned several years.
Further expanding its client portfolio, NAHCO secured a new three-year agreement with FlyGabon, covering passenger and cargo handling services. The contract supports the Gabonese carrier’s growing presence in Nigeria and aligns with its broader strategy of strengthening connectivity across West, Central and Southern Africa.
The company said the latest agreements build on a string of recent contract wins involving major international carriers, including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and RwandAir, further consolidating its leadership in West Africa’s aviation ground handling market.
Beyond airline services, NAHCO is also making significant strides in cargo logistics through its involvement in the export of solar cells from Nigeria to the United States. The project, initiated by BGE (Nigeria) Solar FZE in January 2026, has positioned the company at the centre of a growing renewable energy supply chain.
Under the arrangement, NAHCO provides comprehensive cargo handling solutions, including cargo acceptance, warehousing, build-up, export processing and aircraft handling services. The company is also responsible for ensuring seamless ground operations and timely departures for shipments requiring specialised handling.
Solar cell consignments ranging between 20 and 50 tonnes have been transported through major international carriers, including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and DHL, with freight forwarding support provided by Access Freight and Ideal Royal.
Commenting on the developments, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCO, Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said the company’s growth continues to be driven by its commitment to operational excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction.
According to him, sustained investment in technology and service enhancement has enabled the company to meet the evolving needs of airline and cargo clients while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.
“We remain committed to a strategy that prioritises operational discipline and stakeholder satisfaction, ensuring that NAHCO continues to set the benchmark for safety, reliability and service excellence in African aviation,” Olumekun said.
He added that the company’s focus on value creation and continuous improvement would support future growth opportunities across aviation, logistics and international trade.
With more than four decades of operations, NAHCO has evolved from a ground handling provider into a diversified aviation and logistics company. Its expanding airline portfolio and growing participation in specialised export logistics underscore its ambition to play a larger role in connecting Nigeria to global markets while supporting the development of the country’s aviation and trade ecosystem.
