….Equipment Facilitates Safer Boarding, Deplaning For Wheelchair, Stretcher Users
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has acquired and deployed a high-capacity AmbuLift to improve the way passengers with reduced mobility are boarded and assisted at Nigerian airports.
The company said the equipment makes SAHCO the only aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to own and operate an AmbuLift.
The specialised vehicle is designed to safely lift passengers who use wheelchairs or require stretcher support to the level of an aircraft door.
This is particularly useful at remote aircraft parking areas where passenger boarding bridges are not available.
The acquisition is part of SAHCO’s efforts to improve passenger accessibility, safety and dignity.
It also complements the company’s earlier investment in Evac-Chairs, which are used to assist passengers with reduced mobility when boarding or leaving aircraft through stairs.
SAHCO said British Airways, one of its premium customers, provided guidance during the acquisition and deployment process to ensure that the equipment, procedures and operational standards meet international best practices.
Speaking on the development, SAHCO Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, said the AmbuLift would enable the company to provide better assistance to passengers with reduced mobility.
He said: “Owning and operating the AmbuLift means we can respond directly to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility rather than improvising.”
According to him, the equipment would give SAHCO’s staff the right tools to handle passengers requiring special assistance and give them and their families greater confidence in the company’s services.
SAHCO Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Adenike Aboderin, said the investment reflected the company’s focus on putting passengers first and meeting international service standards.
She said the AmbuLift was a major addition to the company’s operations and would strengthen its ability to provide safe and professional services to passengers requiring additional assistance.
“Our investment in both the AmbuLift and Evac-Chairs reflects our deliberate approach to strengthening our PRM handling capabilities,” she said.
Before the equipment was deployed, UK-based aviation consultancy, Expavia Aviation Consultants, provided advisory and coordination support for its testing, commissioning, certification and training.
Ergon Training Center, a European ground support equipment specialist, also conducted theoretical and practical training, technical inspections and functional checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Following the training, SAHCO said its designated AmbuLift operators were certified in line with IATA AHM 1110 RMP 14m standards.
The company said the measures would ensure that the equipment was properly operated and maintained in line with required safety and operational standards.
The AmbuLift adds to SAHCO’s range of aviation support services, which include passenger, baggage, ramp and cargo handling, aviation security and premium lounge services.
The company said it would continue to invest in equipment, technology, infrastructure and staff to improve safety, efficiency and passenger experience across its operations.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
