SAHCO sets record for fastest Boeing 777 cargo turnaround

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc, a ground handling company operating in the West and Central African region, has set an industry record for the turnaround time for a Boeing 777 cargo aircraft.

The handling company at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos earlier in the week, spent only 37 minutes to turnaround 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.

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A source close to the ground handling company said on Thursday 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.

The source said: “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 has continued to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for our operations.

“Also, note that this 37mins 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.”

SAHCO was 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 performance.

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SAHCO PLC stood out among its peers for its outstanding punctuality and dedication to ensuring smooth operations for British Airways.

With a team of professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, SAHCO offers a comprehensive range of Ground Handling services, including passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling, aviation security amongst other ground handling services to clients across all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria.