Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has said that it acquired additional Ground Support Equipment (GSE) in a bid to strengthen its operational capacity, boost efficiency and service delivery across the nation’s airports.

SAHCO had taken delivery of a state-of-the-art pushback tractor, the Goldhofer F300, manufactured by Germany-based Goldhofer.

Also, the company confirmed the procurement of five additional Ground Power Units (GPUs) manufactured in France by Guinault, with each unit having a capacity of 45kVA at 115 volts and 115 at 28VDC, providing reliable electrical power to aircraft systems while on the ground.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, SAHCO, Vanessa Uansohia, said that the Goldhofer F300, diesel-powered equipment, was designed to handle most wide-body aircraft and constructed with rugged materials suited for Nigeria’s operating environment.

According to the company, the pushback tractor has already been deployed to one of its hub stations as part of efforts to enhance aircraft turnaround time and reinforce operational standards.

On the GPUs, Uansohia stated that each unit has a capacity of 45kVA at 115 volts and 115 at 28VDC, providing reliable electrical power to aircraft systems while on the ground.

The GPUs, powered by fuel-efficient gasoline engines, she said, are designed for durability, portability and superior ramp performance, which are capable of supporting most Class A aircraft as well as select Class B aircraft.

She added that the latest acquisition formed part of its ongoing investment in modern equipment aimed at improving safety, reducing aircraft turnaround time and delivering world-class services to airline clients.

The company assured that it remained committed to setting industry standards through continuous equipment upgrades and technological advancement.

She added: “The investment is expected to further strengthen SAHCO’s leadership position in aviation ground handling services in Africa.

“As the only aviation ground handling company with operational presence across all commercially operated airports in Nigeria, we will continue to set industry benchmarks through continuous equipment upgrades, technological advancement and service innovation.”