Aviation Firm Begins Export Of Solar Cell To United States

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO), has strengthened its international presence by renewing major airline partnerships and commencing the export of solar cells to the United States.

The company announced the extension of its long-standing contracts with Qatar Airways, Saudia Airlines and ASKY Airlines, while also securing a fresh handling agreement with FlyGabon, a new entrant into the Nigerian aviation market.

NAHCO disclosed in a statement that BGE Nigeria Solar FZE began exporting solar cells from Lagos to the United States in January 2026, utilising the company’s cargo handling facilities.

According to the company, the export project initially relied on scheduled carriers, including Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and DHL, with shipment volumes ranging between 20 and 50 tonnes per consignment through freight forwarding partners such as Access Freight and Ideal Royal.

The development underscores NAHCO’s growing role in facilitating international trade and supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export drive.

As part of its business expansion strategy, NAHCO renewed its partnership with Qatar Airways for another three years, while its relationship with Saudia Airlines has been extended for an additional five years. The company also secured a three-year extension with regional carrier ASKY Airlines.

In addition, NAHCO signed a three-year ground handling contract with FlyGabon, covering the period from October 2024 to September 2027. The agreement aligns with FlyGabon’s expansion into Nigeria as it seeks to strengthen connectivity across West, Central and Southern Africa.

The latest agreements add to a growing list of contracts secured by NAHCO in recent months, including partnerships with Sky 7, Pioneer, Avia Green, Benani and the Aviation Clearing House. Earlier this year, the company also announced renewed contracts with Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and RwandAir.

NAHCO said the new contracts reaffirm its leadership in the ground handling segment across West Africa and reflect the confidence global and regional carriers continue to place in the company.

On the solar export initiative, NAHCO said it provides end-to-end cargo handling services, including cargo acceptance, build-up, warehousing and export processing, in addition to full aircraft handling services to ensure seamless operations and timely departures.

The Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO Plc, Prince Saheed Lasisi, said the renewed and new partnerships demonstrate the company’s enduring reputation for excellence.

“We are fully prepared to exceed the expectations of these new partners, drawing on more than 47 years of unblemished service to maintain our reputation for excellence,” Lasisi said.

Also commenting, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, said NAHCO remains committed to delivering value to customers and shareholders through continuous investment in technology and operational efficiency.

He noted that the deployment of modern technology would further enhance service delivery and support the precision operations required by airline operators.

“We remain committed to a strategy that prioritises operational discipline and stakeholder satisfaction, ensuring that NAHCO continues to set the benchmark for safety and reliability in African aviation,” Olumekun said.