The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, has said that the company is undergoing its most ambitious internal transformation yet—one driven by technology, operational excellence, sustainability, and a renewed investment in people.
Speaking during a presentation to aviation correspondents at the company’s head office in Lagos on Friday, Aboderin declared that SAHCO’s growth was “not a coincidence but a product of deliberate, disciplined strategy”. She explained that the company is focusing on what she called the four P’s—people, processes, practice, and best practices to build an aviation handling brand capable of competing anywhere on the continent.
Riding Through Economic Turbulence
Aboderin acknowledged the “harsh headwinds” battering the aviation industry: severe inflation, skyrocketing overheads, unstable foreign exchange, rising utility costs, and foreign-denominated spare parts. Despite these pressures, she said SAHCO has maintained its obligations to shareholders, clients, and airline partners across more than 22 airport locations.
“Overheads are going higher daily, but SAHCO continues to deliver value”, she said.
Financials That Tell a Story of Resilience
The company’s latest performance numbers show a dramatic surge across key indicators:
Revenue: ₦31.7 billion (up from ₦20.1 billion — a 58% increase)
Gross Profit: ₦18 billion (up from ₦12 billion — a 47% rise)
Profit Before Tax: ₦10 billion (up from ₦5.5 billion — an 82% jump)
Total Assets: ₦57.1 billion (up from ₦40 billion — a 31% growth)
SAHCO also achieved a 27% year-on-year reduction in operational costs, driven by new digital tools, in-house apps, process automation, and stricter resource allocation.
“Our efficiency levels today did not happen by accident. We built them,” Aboderin said.
Technology at the Heart of the Overhaul
A major pillar of SAHCO’s transformation is technology deployment. The company has rolled out:
An e-billing system for real-time billing and payment
A Resource Allocation Department for optimal deployment of people and ground support equipment
A new in-house flight management app
A budget-control app used to track monthly financial discipline
Strengthened cybersecurity systems
Expanded document management software
According to her, “technology is no longer optional in aviation. It is the backbone of efficiency”.
Sustainability and Green Equipment Take Center Stage
SAHCO is investing heavily in electric Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and now boasts the highest number of GSE charging points in Nigeria, including newly installed solar-powered stations.
“We are phasing out our old fleet. Our future is green”, she stated.
The Managing Director emphasised that sustainability is part of SAHCO’s long-term roadmap to 2028, backed by ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, making SAHCO the first ground handler in Nigeria with that level of environmental compliance.
A Hub for African Training and Talent Development
SAHCO’s training school has earned fresh authorisation and is expanding into a continental academy.
“We are setting up a larger training centre and entering partnerships with African countries. People will now come to Nigeria not Europe for specialised aviation training”, she revealed.
Aggressive Expansion: more than 25 Airlines, New Airports, and African Markets
SAHCO continues to widen its operational footprint:
Now servicing over 25 domestic and international airlines
Newly signed agreements with Bayelsa Airport, Gateway Cargo Airport, and other state-owned airports
New clients include Air Tanzania, Air Algeria, Ethiopian Airlines (Abuja), and expanding partnerships with United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet Regional
Plans to launch operations in multiple African countries by Q1 next year
SAHCO is also developing a new e-commerce logistics platform, cold-chain expansions, and major upgrades to export cargo facilities in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
“The Future Looks Bright”
Closing her presentation, Aboderin said the company’s trajectory is clear:
“We delivered 82% profit growth and 57% revenue growth. But beyond numbers, we are building a company for the future. When you match the right people with the right technology, you cannot miss your goals.”