BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has reported a record financial performance for the 2025 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of over N12 billion and unveiling plans to expand its operations into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other African markets.
The company announced the results at its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where shareholders were informed of significant growth in revenue, profitability and asset base, driven by increased passenger and cargo handling activities, improved operational efficiency and sustained investments in infrastructure and equipment.
SAHCO reported revenue of N44.46 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 54 per cent increase from N28.94 billion recorded in 2024.
Profit Before Tax (PBT) rose sharply to about N12.01 billion, nearly doubling from N6.49 billion achieved in the previous year.
Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at approximately N9.74 billion, reflecting the company’s strongest earnings performance in recent years.
The company also recorded a significant improvement in shareholder returns, with Earnings Per Share increasing to N7.20 from N3.57 recorded in 2024.
Speaking at the AGM, SAHCO Chairman, Taiwo Afolabi, attributed the strong performance to the resilience of the company’s business model, operational excellence and the dedication of its workforce.
“The 2025 financial performance reflects the resilience of our business model, the commitment of our workforce, and our unwavering focus on operational excellence, customer satisfaction and strategic expansion,” Afolabi said.
He noted that despite economic and operational challenges within the aviation industry, the company successfully sustained growth while delivering increased value to shareholders.
According to him, revenue growth was supported by stronger performance across SAHCO’s core business segments, including passenger handling, cargo services, ramp handling and aviation security operations across airports nationwide.
The company’s balance sheet also strengthened considerably during the year. Shareholders’ equity increased to N62.21 billion, underscoring SAHCO’s growing financial strength and capacity for long-term value creation.
Similarly, total assets rose to N82.69 billion, supported by investments in property, plant and equipment, as well as improved liquidity and stronger operational capacity.
A key highlight of the AGM was the company’s announcement of plans to extend its footprint beyond Nigeria.
Afolabi disclosed that SAHCO has developed strategic plans to establish operations in the UAE and selected African countries as part of its long-term growth agenda.
He said the expansion drive is aimed at diversifying revenue sources, leveraging opportunities in the rapidly growing aviation sector and positioning SAHCO as a leading aviation ground handling and logistics services provider across Africa and international markets.
According to him, the move will strengthen the company’s regional and global presence while creating new opportunities for growth and enhancing shareholder value.
Industry analysts say the expansion plan signals SAHCO’s ambition to transform from a predominantly domestic operator into a regional aviation services player capable of competing in key international markets.
SAHCO currently maintains a unique position in Nigeria’s aviation industry as the only ground handling company with operations across all commercial airports in the country.
The company provides a wide range of services, including passenger handling, baggage and ramp handling, cargo operations, aviation security services, premium lounge management, crew administration and other aviation support services.
With its record earnings, stronger balance sheet and planned international expansion, SAHCO appears poised to deepen its influence in the aviation services sector while consolidating its leadership position in Nigeria’s ground handling market.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
