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CONFIDENCE IN NIGERIAN AVIATION: AIR ALGÉRIE TRUSTS SAHCO WITH LAGOS, ABUJA HANDLING
By Prince Benson Davies
A fresh vote of confidence has come the way of Nigeria’s aviation support sector as Air Algérie, Algeria’s national carrier, formally engaged Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc to handle its ground operations in Lagos and Abuja.
The contract, which was announced on Tuesday, will see SAHCO take charge of the airline’s full range of ground services at Nigeria’s two busiest international gateways.
In a statement released to The New Experience by the Head of Corporate and Strategic Communications, Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO said the deal is further proof that foreign airlines increasingly trust its ability to deliver dependable handling that meets international best practice.
Reacting to the partnership, the Chairman of SAHCO Plc, Taiwo Afolabi, described Air Algérie’s choice as a clear endorsement of the company’s operational pedigree.
According to Afolabi, the company is pleased to have been selected by the North African carrier for its Lagos and Abuja stations, a development he said speaks volumes about SAHCO’s consistency and high operating standards.
He explained that the trust shown by Air Algérie mirrors SAHCO’s unrelenting focus on safety, efficiency and excellent service. The company, he added, will continue to provide smooth and reliable ground handling that satisfies airline partners and enhances the travel experience for passengers.
SAHCO also drew attention to its extensive footprint across Nigeria, which it described as a major edge over competitors in the ground handling business.
With operations at every commercially viable airport in the country, the company said it can offer airlines uniform service quality across different locations while responding swiftly to their operational needs.
Beyond its nationwide reach, SAHCO noted that it is progressively introducing alternative energy sources and eco-friendly measures into its equipment fleet, a step that aligns with the global push for greener aviation operations.
On safety, the company stressed that compliance remains at the heart of everything it does.
It pointed to its portfolio of globally recognised certifications and approvals, which include ISAGO, RA3, ISO 9001, SON and ISO 27001, as evidence of its commitment to quality control, operational security and adherence to industry benchmarks.
The new agreement, SAHCO said, opens another chapter in its drive to grow partnerships with international carriers, while keeping its attention on dependable operations, a skilled workforce and strong customer service.
Aviation stakeholders believe the Air Algérie deal reinforces SAHCO’s standing as a foremost ground handling firm in Nigeria and reflects rising confidence by foreign airlines in the capacity of local operators to meet world-class standards.
