SAHCO: Ground Handling Key To Safe, Efficient Air Transport
LAGOS — The Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, has described ground handling services as a critical pillar of safe, secure and efficient air transportation, stressing that the sector remains indispensable to the aviation value chain.
Afolabi also reaffirmed SAHCO’s commitment to investing in modern equipment, innovation and human capital development to meet the evolving demands of the global aviation industry.
His remarks were delivered by the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, at the International Conference of Aeronautical Engineers, themed “Aeronautical Engineering and National Development: Repositioning the Nigerian Aviation Industry.”
According to Afolabi, the conference provides a platform for knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships, technological advancement and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He said repositioning the industry would require sustained collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, private sector operators and development partners to build a globally competitive aviation ecosystem capable of driving national economic growth.
The SAHCO chairman described aeronautical engineering as a cornerstone of aviation excellence, noting that it plays a vital role in ensuring aircraft safety, improving operational efficiency, advancing technological innovation and developing indigenous technical expertise.
He stressed that increased investment in engineering capacity, research, infrastructure and skilled manpower would be essential to achieving world-class standards and unlocking new opportunities across the aviation industry.
Afolabi noted that the conference theme reflects the industry’s shared ambition to build a resilient, innovative and globally competitive aviation sector capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s sustainable development.
He added that achieving this goal would require deliberate investments in technical knowledge, engineering research, infrastructure and policies that promote innovation and continuous capacity development.
Reiterating SAHCO’s commitment to supporting the industry’s growth, Afolabi said the company would continue to adopt global best practices, deploy modern ground handling equipment and invest in continuous training and development of its workforce.
He maintained that efficient ground handling operations are essential to the smooth functioning of the aviation ecosystem, ensuring aircraft are serviced safely, securely and reliably.
Afolabi also commended the organisers of the International Conference of Aeronautical Engineers for bringing together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to challenges facing the aviation sector.
He expressed confidence that the conference’s deliberations and recommendations would contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry and strengthen the country’s position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
