…Target seamless passenger flow, Back slot system to cut delays as traffic rises
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, has reiterated the ground handler’s commitment to operational efficiency, safety and improved passenger experience following a high-level courtesy visit to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two.
The meeting, held in Lagos, brought together senior officials from both organisations to align on critical priorities across airport operations, ranging from safety management and infrastructure expansion to technology deployment, service quality and stakeholder coordination.
Welcoming the SAHCO team, BASL’s Acting Chief Operating Officer/Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services, Mr. Remi Jibodu, stressed that sustained collaboration among aviation players is key to efficient airport operations.
“At MMA2, our focus remains on creating an efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly airport environment. Achieving this requires strong collaboration among all operators within the aviation value chain.
“We appreciate SAHCO’s commitment to operational improvement and safety enhancement, and we believe engagements such as this are essential to strengthening service delivery across the industry,” he said.
Jibodu highlighted BASL’s ongoing push to raise performance standards through enhanced operational monitoring systems, real-time reporting, stronger accountability frameworks and continuous infrastructure upgrades.
According to him, these efforts are aimed at ensuring smoother passenger processing, better baggage handling, improved on-time performance and reduced congestion.
In her response, Aboderin congratulated BASL on the recent settlement announcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, noting that the development could unlock stronger partnerships across the sector.
“We are pleased with the recent announcement by the Honourable Minister regarding the settlement process. We believe this development will further strengthen collaboration and create greater opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term growth within the aviation industry.
“As a key partner within the aviation ecosystem, we also look forward to being appropriately positioned for the upcoming expansion,” she said.
She explained that the visit was part of SAHCO’s broader strategy to deepen institutional ties, align operational goals and strengthen partnerships within the aviation ecosystem.
“The aviation industry operates as an interconnected system, and collaboration among stakeholders is critical to achieving operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and improved passenger experience.
“As we continue to expand our operations and modernize our processes, it is important that we work closely with airport operators and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and improved service delivery,” Aboderin added.
She disclosed that SAHCO is ramping up investments in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), workforce training, digital solutions and customer service improvements to meet evolving airline demands and global standards.
The company is also tightening operational discipline, strengthening safety culture and enhancing staff soft skills, while deploying additional monitoring systems to reduce airside risks.
On future expansion, Aboderin backed the planned introduction of a slot management system, describing it as critical to improving coordination and turnaround efficiency as passenger traffic grows.
“As expansion continues across the sector, the introduction of a proper slot system will eventually help improve turnaround time, operational planning, equipment deployment, and overall efficiency. It will also reduce unnecessary operational pressure on stakeholders and support a better passenger experience across the airport environment,” she said.
Both parties also examined pressing operational concerns, including apron safety, equipment movement, fatigue management and behavioural compliance among airside personnel.
They agreed on the need for continuous training, stricter monitoring, counselling programmes and stronger safety oversight to minimise risks and incidents.
The meeting further explored opportunities to leverage shared technology platforms to improve communication, data visibility and coordination among airlines, ground handlers and airport operators.
It ended with renewed assurances from both SAHCO and BASL to sustain collaboration aimed at raising safety standards, improving efficiency, upgrading infrastructure and delivering better service across Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
