SAHCO elevates inclusive aviation services with landmark AmbuLift acquisition

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has significantly raised the bar for inclusive passenger handling in Nigeria’s aviation industry by acquiring and deploying a state-of-the-art, high-capacity AmbuLift.

With this strategic move, SAHCO becomes the sole aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to own and operate this specialised equipment.

Designed to deliver safe, dignified, and seamless embarkation and disembarkation services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), including wheelchair users and stretcher-bound passengers, the AmbuLift features a hydraulic lifting system that elevates its fully enclosed cabin directly to aircraft-door level.

This ensures secure, comfortable passenger transfers, particularly at remote stands or where traditional passenger boarding bridges are inaccessible.

This latest acquisition reinforces SAHCO’s existing accessibility infrastructure, following its previous deployment of Evac-Chairs designed for stair navigation.

Together, these assets underline the company’s dedicated drive to enhance passenger safety, mobility, and overall customer experience across Nigerian airports.

The initiative received key operational input from British Airways, one of SAHCO’s flagship airline clients.

British Airways provided strategic guidance throughout the procurement and integration phases to ensure that the equipment, procedures, and operational protocols align fully with global best practices and international aviation standards.

Commenting on the deployment, the Chairman of SAHCO, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, emphasised the impact of having dedicated, fit-for-purpose equipment, saying, “Owning and operating the AmbuLift means we can respond directly to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility rather than improvising. It gives our teams the right tool to do this sensitive work properly and gives passengers and their families’ confidence that they will be handled with care from the apron to the aircraft door.”

Echoing these sentiments, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, highlighted the company’s customer-centric vision: “The AmbuLift is a significant addition to our operations and demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, dignified, and professional services to every passenger, particularly those requiring additional assistance.

“Our investment in both the AmbuLift and Evac-Chairs reflects our deliberate approach to strengthening our PRM handling capabilities.”

To guarantee seamless operational safety, SAHCO engaged Expavia Aviation Consultants, a UK-based firm, to provide project advisory, testing, commissioning, and regulatory compliance support.

Furthermore, European GSE specialist Ergon Training Centre conducted rigorous theoretical and practical training, technical inspections, and functional testing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Following the training, SAHCO’s designated operators achieved full certification under the stringent IATA AHM 1110 RMP 14m standards, ensuring the equipment is operated and maintained to top-tier international safety specifications.

The AmbuLift integration expands SAHCO’s extensive service portfolio, which encompasses Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Baggage Handling, Cargo Handling, Aviation Security, and Premium Lounge Operations.

Through continuous investments in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), infrastructure, and specialised manpower, SAHCO continues to consolidate its position as Nigeria’s ground handling company of choice.

Wole Shadare