SAHCOL, AirFrance/KLM sign pact to boost export services

Apparently to improve export in the country, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has struck a partnering with Air France/KLM cargo arms of the foreign airlines.

The collaboration, which was disclosed at a recent customers’ forum in Lagos, will enhance the freight of locally made goods, especially tonnes of farm produce to Europe and America.

Country Manager of Air France/ KLM cargo, Gabriel Lalande, said their partnership with SAHCOL was a huge boost for Nigeria’s drive for export, being part of the efforts to diversify the economy.

Lalande said that Nigeria has for too long entertained wide gap between import and export, while the country was not lacking in exportable goods to equal tonnes of imported products.

He noted that with the slum in value of the naira and technical recession, the country is beginning to maximize its export potentials with attendant opportunity for efficient cargo services.

According to Lalande: “Nigeria has a lot of import and export capacities but currently freighting at low capacity. Most people do the import business but who wants to grow the export?

“There are evidences that we all can grow export. Import in Nigeria for first half of 2016 is already minus 21 per cent because of high cost of foreign goods due to foreign exchange and less demands. It means we are losing money.

“We need to make some money together. Exports during this period have grown by 35 per cent against last year. But we can do better if we can address other problems with export charges,” he said.

He added that with Nigerian export potentials maximized, AirFrance and co. would ensure that they get to at least 236 countries that the airline frequents daily. General Manager, Sales and Marketing SAHCOL, Olaniyi Adigun, said that their mission to provide quality and efficient passenger, ramp and cargo handling services in line with best practices and the highest international standards has put SAHCOL on the same page with the foreign airlines.

Adigun said they remain committed to offering world-class services built on professionalism, integrity, customer satisfaction, efficiency and distinctive business conduct, while being socially responsible to the society.

SAHCOL is 100 per cent owned by the Sifax Group and incorporated as aviation ground handling service provider under the Nigerian Company & Allied Matters Act of 1990.