Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) is positioning itself for greater participation in Africa’s evolving aviation market as airports across the continent accelerate investments in technology, operational efficiency and passenger services.
The company used the 35th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual General Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition in Abuja to highlight the expanding role of ground-handling companies in the development of more efficient and resilient airports while strengthening its engagement with stakeholders beyond Nigeria.
The event, which attracted more than 500 delegates and over 40 speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from Africa and beyond, is focused on the future of airport operations under the theme, “Next-Gen Airports: Driving Performance and Resilience.”
Speaking on behalf of SAHCO Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the gathering provided an opportunity for Nigerian aviation service providers to participate more actively in discussions shaping the continent’s airport industry.
Afolabi said SAHCO’s operations across passenger handling, baggage handling, ramp services, cargo handling and warehousing place the company at an important point in the aviation value chain, linking airlines, airports, passengers and other service providers.
He said ground handling should no longer be regarded simply as a background support activity, given its direct impact on aircraft turnaround, baggage movement, cargo processing and passenger facilitation.
According to him, the efficiency of these services can influence airline operations and ultimately affect passengers’ experience at airports.
The SAHCO chairman said the conference theme was particularly relevant as African airports contend with rising passenger demand, technological changes, sustainability requirements and the need to improve both operational and commercial performance.
He noted that increasing automation and digitalisation were reshaping airport and airline operations, requiring ground-handling companies to adapt their systems and capabilities alongside other parts of the aviation ecosystem.
“Our presence here presents us with an opportunity to showcase our capabilities, engage with industry peers and partners, and contribute to conversations about the next generation of airport operations,” Afolabi said.
He added that the company’s participation was also aimed at strengthening relationships with airport operators, airlines, regulators, technology providers and other aviation stakeholders whose collaboration would be critical to improving airport operations.
Afolabi said SAHCO’s broader focus on professionalism, operational development and business growth was being supported by its engagement with the wider African aviation community.
He said the growing integration of African aviation presented Nigerian service providers with opportunities to establish partnerships and compete beyond the domestic market.
According to him, Nigerian aviation companies should increasingly be viewed as potential partners in Africa’s developing aviation ecosystem rather than solely as local service providers.
He also identified continental industry gatherings such as the ACI Africa Assembly as important platforms for building relationships with airlines, airport operators and international partners, particularly as the ground-handling sector becomes more closely linked to airport modernisation.
The conference is examining airport development, operational efficiency, digital transformation, sustainability, passenger experience, safety, security and commercial growth.
For SAHCO, the discussions come as airports across Africa seek to improve their resilience and efficiency, with the company maintaining that the quality of services delivered on the ground will remain an important part of the continent’s efforts to modernise air transport.
