BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has bagged the prestigious British Airways Safety and Punctuality Bronze Awards for both its Lagos and Abuja stations for the first quarter of 2025.
The awards highlight SAHCO’s exceptional performance in meeting British Airways’ stringent safety and punctuality standards across its Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific operations.
The recognition comes as a testament to SAHCO’s consistent dedication to excellence in ground handling services, particularly in achieving British Airways’ Adjusted Departure Closure (aDC) target of 96% each month during Q1 2025.
This milestone demonstrates the company’s total commitment to maintaining high standards of operational efficiency, reliability, and safety.
“Safety and punctuality are pillars of the aviation industry,” said Hellen O’Connor, Regional General Manager for British Airways in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.
He continued: “We congratulate SAHCO in Lagos and Abuja for their outstanding contributions in achieving our Q1 punctuality goals.” O’Connor’s words underscore the critical role that ground handling service providers like SAHCO play in ensuring the smooth and timely operation of airlines.
Since the inception of these awards, SAHCO has been a consistent recipient of accolades in multiple categories, reinforcing its status as a leader in aviation services.
In 2024, the Lagos station received multiple honours including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum awards, while the Abuja station earned the Bronze award—further solidifying the company’s reputation for operational excellence and professionalism.
In a statement, SAHCO’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, expressed joy in the company’s continued success.
“We are delighted to receive this honour. SAHCO is committed to providing world-class ground handling services with the use of advanced, eco-friendly equipment.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team nationwide,” she said.
Her words reflect the company’s dedication not only to safety and punctuality but also to sustainability in its operations.
In addition to these remarkable accolades from British Airways, SAHCO and its Assistant General Manager for Safety and Quality Assurance, Mrs. Christy Oseghale, were recognised at the 2025 Nigeria Safety & Security (NSAS) Awards and Lecture, which was organized by Safety & Security Watch (SSWatch) Magazine to commemorate the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health.
Oseghale received the Special Safety Merit Award, which recognised her outstanding leadership in promoting a safety-first culture within SAHCO and across the broader aviation sector.
Her exceptional work in advocating for safety awareness has helped elevate industry standards and foster a safer work environment for aviation professionals.
“I’m deeply honoured by this recognition. At SAHCO, safety is not negotiable. We are committed to safeguarding lives, equipment, and operations through best-in-class safety standards”, she said.
Her remarks highlight SAHCO’s firm belief that safety is the foundation of its operations and a non-negotiable aspect of its service delivery.
In the same vein, Dr. Chinyere Amaechi, Managing Editor of SSWatch Magazine, also commended SAHCO’s commitment to safety. “SAHCO prioritizes safety in every aspect of its operations,” she said.
“The company’s multiple certifications and gender-inclusive safety culture reflect its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most compliant aviation service providers,” she noted.
This acknowledgment highlights the company’s adherence to international safety standards, its investment in training, and its efforts to create an inclusive work environment.
With these prestigious awards and recognitions, SAHCO Plc said it remains fired up to uphold excellence in the aviation ground handling industry in Nigeria.
