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Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has disclosed plans to expand its training school and enhance its curriculum in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen skills development, safety standards and operational excellence across Nigeria’s aviation ground handling sector.
The company said the initiative follows the successful renewal of its Training School Authorisation in 2025 and is designed to align its training programmes with global best practices, while supporting the development of a highly skilled, safety-driven workforce for the industry.
In a New Year message issued on behalf of its board and management, SAHCO said investment in people remains central to its long-term growth strategy, noting that continuous training and capacity building are critical to maintaining safety, efficiency and service quality in ground handling operations.
Beyond training, the company reaffirmed its broader commitment to operational excellence, ethical business conduct, innovation and sustainable growth in 2026. SAHCO acknowledged the continued patronage of its customers and the support of stakeholders and government agencies, stressing that collaboration has been key to its operational successes.
SAHCO attributed its strong performance in 2025 to the professionalism and dedication of its workforce nationwide. During the year, the company successfully renewed its IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certifications, while its Regulated Agent (RA3) certification remains valid until 2027. It also renewed its Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON) and Quality Management System (QMS) certifications.
The company said it expanded its customer base in 2025 with the onboarding of several international and domestic airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, Air Algérie, ValueJet, United Nigeria Airlines, Pioneer Airlines, Binani Airlines, ExeJet/Enugu Air and Air Peace on its Antigua and Barbados operations.
SAHCO’s operational performance also earned it multiple industry awards, including the FAAN Safety Excellence Award, Aircraft Handling Service Achievement Award from the Nigerian Aviation Ground Handling Association (NIGAV), Aviation Service Provider of the Year from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, and Best Ground Support Service Company at the Nigeria International Air Show. British Airways also recognised the company’s Abuja and Lagos stations for punctuality and safety performance.
On sustainability, SAHCO disclosed that it commenced the phased replacement of ageing ground support equipment with eco-friendly alternatives in 2025 and will continue the initiative in 2026 to improve environmental compliance.
Looking ahead, the company said its 2026 strategy will focus on operational excellence, revenue growth and business expansion, including the expansion of cargo services, deeper partnerships with state airports, pursuit of additional certifications and diversification into new segments of the aviation value chain.
These initiatives, SAHCO said, are anchored on its “4Ps Strategy” – People, Process, Performance and Platform – aimed at building a skilled workforce, standardising operations, leveraging data for improved performance and deploying integrated digital platforms to support sustainable growth.
