January 23, (THEWILL) – Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, the leading ground handling company in the West and Central African region, has set an industry record for the turnaround time for a Boeing 777 cargo aircraft.
The handling company at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos, during the week, spent only 37 minutes turning around a B777 aircraft of Ethiopian Airlines, thereby, beating the industry standards of 90 minutes for such an exercise.
Tasks carried out within the period included the offloading of 37 pallets, loading of cargo into the aeroplane and other necessary tasks.
A source close to the ground handling company told our correspondent on Thursday, that SAHCO recently acquired and deployed some state-of-the-art equipment to beef up its operations.
Some of its equipment includes Ground Power Units (GPUs), belt loaders, pushback tractors, air start units, baggage carts, baggage tractors, trollies, air conditioning units, aircraft towbars, lavatory service trucks, passenger stairs, container loaders, lavatory trucks, luggage tugs and tractors, among others.
SAHCO has consistently increased its efficiency in the discharge of its operations and it’s attracting the attention of leading airlines in the country and foreign carriers.
The source said, “Having a turnaround time of 37 minutes for a B777 aircraft is not new. We have over the years increased our efficiency and performance, while our management has in the past few years, continued to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for our operations.
“Also, note that this 37mins turnaround for B777 aircraft for Ethiopian Airlines was done in a safe, speedy and efficient manner. Our staff are certified and well-trained for the job they do.”
SAHCO was in August awarded the prestigious British Airways Safety and Punctuality Award’ for its exceptional professionalism and seamless ground handling services provided to the British carrier for three consecutive quarters across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
In a historic achievement, SAHCO enabled the Nigerian station to secure the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards—a first in the airline’s history.
Furthermore, SAHCO’s Abuja station was honoured with the Bronze Award in the third quarter of the year.
The British Airways’ Safety and Punctuality Award was introduced as part of the airline’s efforts to recognise and celebrate its partners who consistently deliver excellent job performance.
SAHCO PLC stood out among its peers for its outstanding punctuality and dedication to ensuring smooth operations for British Airways.
SAHCO, a leading ground handling service provider in Nigeria maintains a team of highly skilled professionals and state-of-the-art equipment.
The company offers a comprehensive range of Ground Handling services, including passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling and aviation security amongst other ground handling services to clients across all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
