SAHCO wins Air Algérie ground handling deal for Lagos and Abuja airports

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has won a ground handling contract from Air Algérie, Algeria's national carrier, for its operations at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The company announced the deal in a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Adetona Vanessa Uansohia.

Under the agreement, SAHCO will provide full ground handling services to the airline at both airports, using its trained staff, ground support equipment and operational experience.

Ground handling covers the work that keeps an aircraft moving on the ground between flights: turning the plane around, moving baggage and handling other tasks needed for flights to leave on schedule. How well this is done affects airline timetables, safety and the experience passengers get at the airport.

Why it matters

For travellers, reliable ground handling can mean shorter delays, faster baggage movement and smoother connections at two of Nigeria's busiest international gateways.

For the aviation sector, the deal is a vote of confidence in a Nigerian firm from a foreign carrier, and it adds to SAHCO's list of international airline clients.

SAHCO says it is the only ground handling company operating at all commercially run airports in the country, which it argues lets it serve airlines at several locations with the same standards.

Chairman Taiwo Afolabi welcomed the contract, saying it reflected the company's commitment to safety and efficiency.

We are delighted that Air Algérie has chosen SAHCO as its ground handling partner in Lagos and Abuja,

he said, adding that the company would keep working to meet the expectations of its airline partners and improve the passenger experience.

According to the statement, SAHCO holds internationally recognised certifications, including ISAGO (the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations), RA3, ISO 9001, SON and ISO 27001, which it says support its quality management and operational security.

The company also said its equipment strategy includes alternative power sources and more environmentally friendly solutions.

The sources did not disclose the value of the contract, how long it will run, or when SAHCO will begin handling Air Algérie's flights.

What happens next

SAHCO says it will keep investing in equipment, technology and staff training as it seeks more international airline partnerships. Air Algérie passengers flying through Lagos and Abuja can expect SAHCO's teams to take over ground operations at both airports, though the company has not said when the service starts.