Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has announced a robust financial year and an aggressive growth trajectory, positioning the company as a leading force in West Africa’s aviation ground-handling sector. Addressing journalists and industry stakeholders in Lagos, Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, unveiled impressive earnings, strengthened operational capacity, major technology upgrades, sustainability initiatives, and expanding regional footprints.
Despite rising inflation, foreign-exchange volatility and soaring operating costs, SAHCO delivered what analysts describe as one of its strongest performances yet. For the nine months ended 30 September, revenue surged by 58 percent (₦31.7bn from ₦20.1bn), gross profit rose from ₦12bn to ₦18bn, and profit before tax jumped by 82 percent (₦10bn from ₦5.5bn). Total assets expanded by 31 percent to ₦57.1bn, reflecting ongoing investment in equipment, infrastructure and digital systems.
Mrs Aboderin attributed this momentum to deliberate strategic choices anchored on people, processes and global best practices. Central to this strategy is a sweeping technological transformation. SAHCO has deployed new digital platforms including a proprietary flight operations app, e-billing systems, a budget-monitoring tool, and enhanced digital documentation supported by strengthened cybersecurity. The introduction of a Resource Allocation Department has further improved real-time deployment of personnel and equipment—contributing to a 27 percent year-on-year reduction in operating costs.
The company is also advancing a bold sustainability agenda, becoming one of the earliest adopters of electric ground support equipment (GSE) in the region. SAHCO has begun phasing out diesel-powered machines and installed multiple solar-powered charging points in Lagos and Abuja, with more to follow. This transition cuts emissions, reduces long-term costs, and aligns the company with global aviation environmental objectives.
Cargo operations have been significantly upgraded in response to rising export volumes. Expanded export lanes, improved cold-chain capacity, and the installation of new X-ray and ETT systems—plus an upcoming cargo tunnel—ensure faster processing, reduced congestion and full compliance with global security standards.
SAHCO’s aviation training programme is also undergoing major expansion. With regulatory approval secured, its training school is set to begin commercial operations, offering courses for ground-handling staff, cargo operators and airside professionals. A larger, modern academy is under construction, with three African countries currently in talks for training partnerships. This positions SAHCO to support the continent’s projected need for 20,000 aviation professionals over the next decade.
Operationally, SAHCO has broadened its presence to 22 airports nationwide and continues to secure new partnerships. Recent agreements include services at Bayelsa International Airport and Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport. The company now serves over 25 airlines, including Air Tanzania, Air Algérie, Ethiopian Airlines (Abuja), United Nigeria Airlines Regional and ValueJet Regional, while it advances discussions with multiple African carriers for cross-border expansion. Two new African operations are projected to launch before the first quarter of next year.
In line with diversification plans, SAHCO has introduced SIPA SAHCO Aviation for helicopter services in the oil and gas industry, launched SS Travels for travel management, and is preparing to debut an e-commerce logistics and fulfilment centre by Q1 2026.
Throughout these expansions, Mrs Aboderin emphasized that SAHCO’s workforce remains the bedrock of its success. The company recently implemented a salary increase and continues to invest in intensive employee training—from safety certifications to emotional intelligence and customer experience development.
Summarising SAHCO’s trajectory, Aboderin said the company’s 82 percent profit growth, significant asset expansion and strong operational discipline demonstrate that its strategy is delivering tangible results. With sustained innovation, disciplined execution and strategic partnerships, SAHCO aims not only to consolidate its leadership in West Africa but to set new benchmarks for aviation ground-handling excellence across the continent.
