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Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has urged the Federal Government to support aviation ground handlers to deepen their operations for better revenue for the economy.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SAHCO, Basil Agboarumi, said the aviation support services are as critical to the sector as airlines, hence, deserve incentives to maximise their potential.
Agboarumi told reporters, during a recent tour of SAHCO facilities in Lagos, that ground handling is capital intensive, “yet, we are still grossly underpaid for services rendered because the fixed charges have not been reviewed for years.”
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He, however, expressed satisfaction that discussions about pricing were ongoing, and with the necessary support from the government, “ground handlers stand a better chance of surviving to render quality services to customers and the country.”
“But going forward, government has a very big role to play. We are responsible to them as they are to us too. With improved cooperation, the economy would be better for it,” he said.
Notwithstanding the challenges, Agboarumi said SAHCO remains the leading ground service provider in the Nigerian aviation industry, providing excellent passenger handling, ramp handling, cargo handling, aviation security, premium lounge and baggage reconciliation services in all commercial airports across Nigeria.
“As a pro-active and futuristic company, SAHCO has tapped into the vast technology available to ground aviation handlers all over the world. This is evident in the upgrade of our facilities and equipment that matches with the very best anywhere in the world. Our team is made up of experts and professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the satisfaction of our customers and clients.
“Over the years, SAHCO has recorded tremendous growth, remarkable improvements and have added value to aviation development in Nigeria. Our market share grew from 21 per cent in 2009 to over 40 per cent, and our revenues have grown by over 100 per cent post privatisation.
“By the end of December 2017, SAHCO had maintained a stable operating performance with a compounded annual revenue growth rate of 4.43 per cent. The Company also recorded improved profitability with a five year average operating and profit margin of 12.1 per cent and 11.6 per cent respectively by the end December 2017,” he said.
Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Olaniyi Adigun, reiterated that the sector demands a huge capital investment, especially in the area of manpower, technology, maintenance and power to keep the facilities running round the clock.
Adigun said it behooves on the appropriate authority to give similar duty incentives to ground handlers such as commercial airlines are enjoying on imported spare parts and aircraft.
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