SAHCO Reduces Aircraft Waiting Time, Achieves 37 Minutes Turnaround Time

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has set an industry record as it reduced turnaround time for Boeing 777 cargo aircraft to 37 minutes

LEADERSHIP Sunday reports that the handling company at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), Lagos spent only 37 minutes to turn around a B777 aircraft of Ethiopian Airlines, thereby beating the industry standards of 90 minutes for such an exercise.

Tasks carried out within the period, included the offloading of 37 pallets, loading of cargo into the airplane and other necessary tasks.

In a statement on Thursday, it was gathered that SAHCO recently acquired and deployed some state-of-the-art equipment to beef up its operations.

Some of its equipment include Ground Power Units (GPUs), belt loaders, pushback tractors, air start unit, baggage carts, baggage tractors, trollies, air conditioning units, aircraft towbars, lavatory service trucks, passenger stairs, container loaders, lavatory trucks, luggage tugs and tugs and tractors, among others.

SAHCO has consistently increased its efficiency in the discharge of its operations and it’s attracting the attention of leading airlines in the country and foreign carriers.

“Having a turnaround time of 37 minutes for a B777 aircraft is not new. We have over the years increased our efficiency and performance, while our management has in the past few years continued to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for our operations.

“Also, note that this 37 minute turnaround for B777 aircraft for Ethiopian Airlines was done in a safe, speedy and efficient manner. Our staff are certified and well-trained for the job they do,”the statement read.

SAHCO, in August, awarded the prestigious British Airways’ Safety and Punctuality Award’ for its exceptional professionalism and seamless ground handling services provided to the British carrier for three consecutive quarters across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

In a historic achievement, SAHCO enabled the Nigerian station to secure the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards—a first in the airline’s history. Furthermore, SAHCO’s Abuja station was honoured with the Bronze Award in the third quarter of the year.

The British Airways’ Safety and Punctuality Award was introduced as part of the airline’s efforts to recognize and celebrate its partners who consistently deliver excellent job performances. SAHCO Plc stood out among its peers for its outstanding punctuality and dedication to ensuring smooth operations for British Airways.