SAHCO MD visits BASL, to deepen collaboration with terminal operator

The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), Mrs Adenike Aboderin, alongside members of the company’s executive management team, paid a courtesy visit to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and deepen operational synergy within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The meeting, which brought together key officials from both organisations, provided an opportunity for extensive discussions on operational efficiency, safety management, infrastructure expansion, passenger experience, technological innovation, and stakeholder collaboration across airport operations.

Welcoming the SAHCO delegation, the Ag. Chief Operating Officer/Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services of BASL, Mr Remi Jibodu, emphasised the importance of sustained engagement among aviation stakeholders to ensure seamless airport operations, improved safety standards, an enhanced passenger experience, and customer satisfaction.

According to him, “At MMA2, our focus remains on creating an efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly airport environment. Achieving this requires strong collaboration among all operators within the aviation value chain. We appreciate SAHCO’s commitment to operational improvement and safety enhancement, and we believe engagements such as this are essential to strengthening service delivery across the industry.”

Jibodu further highlighted BASL’s ongoing efforts to improve airport efficiency through enhanced operational monitoring systems, real-time performance reporting, stakeholder accountability frameworks, and continuous infrastructure improvements aimed at ensuring seamless passenger processing, improved baggage handling, on-time performance, reduced congestion and overall improved passenger experience.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, congratulated BASL on the recent settlement announcement by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, while expressing optimism about the future relationship between the two organisations.

According to her, “We are pleased with the recent announcement by the Honourable Minister regarding the settlement process. We believe this development will further strengthen collaboration and create greater opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term growth within the aviation industry. As a key partner within the aviation ecosystem, we also look forward to being appropriately positioned for the upcoming expansion.”

Aboderin stated that the visit was also aimed at deepening collaboration, aligning operational objectives, and fostering stronger partnerships across the aviation ecosystem.

“The aviation industry operates as an interconnected system, and collaboration among stakeholders is critical to achieving operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and improved passenger experience. As we continue to expand our operations and modernise our processes, it is important that we work closely with airport operators and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth and improved service delivery,” she added.

Aboderin further disclosed that SAHCO was making significant investments in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), staff training, digital solutions, and customer service enhancement initiatives to meet evolving industry standards and airline expectations.

She noted that the company was also strengthening operational discipline, safety culture, and soft-skills development among personnel, while introducing additional monitoring and engagement systems to reduce operational risks and improve airside efficiency.

According to her, “As expansion continues across the sector, the introduction of a proper slot system will eventually help improve turnaround time, operational planning, equipment deployment, and overall efficiency. It will also reduce unnecessary operational pressure on stakeholders and support a better passenger experience across the airport environment.”

The meeting also addressed concerns relating to apron safety, equipment movement, operational discipline, fatigue management, behavioural compliance among airside personnel, and the importance of maintaining efficient turnaround times to support passenger convenience and operational reliability.

Both organisations agreed on the need for continuous training, stricter monitoring systems, counselling programmes, and stronger safety oversight to reduce operational risks and incidents at the airport.

The parties also discussed opportunities for leveraging technology and shared operational platforms to improve communication, data visibility, and coordination among airlines, ground handlers, and airport operators.

Wole Shadare