LAGOS/Nigeria: Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SACHO) has called on the Federal Government to classify aviation as a pioneer industry, a move the company says would allow ground handling firms access to tax waivers, import incentives and affordable financing needed to sustain operations in the face of rising equipment costs.
Managing Director of SACHO, Adenike Aboderin, made the appeal on Sunday during the Gateway Forum organised by aviation correspondents in Lagos. She said ground handlers were being stretched by the high cost of acquiring and importing globally compliant ground handling equipment, which she noted bears no relation to the fees airlines currently pay for handling services.
Aboderin disclosed that in the last two quarters alone, SACHO spent about €5 million on equipment purchases, with each unit costing an average of €150,000. She argued that the realities of the sector demand targeted government intervention.
“We need government’s support on tax waivers, incentives on both equipment and spare parts, and single-digit long-term interest loans,” she said. “Airlines have been included but not the ground handlers. Government needs to help the sub-sector and see aviation as a pioneer industry.”
She said SACHO has maintained financial resilience by investing strategically in operational excellence, technology, partnerships and staff training. The company’s adoption of new technologies, she added, contributed to a 27 per cent annual cost saving.
Aboderin noted that the firm is expanding aggressively, currently serving 21 airports nationwide and handling 25 domestic and international airlines. She added that SACHO’s sustainability drive includes deploying electric ground support equipment and implementing an ISO 14001-based environmental management system, alongside a quality management system.
On diversification, she announced plans to launch SACHO helicopter services for the oil and gas industry, travel and other sectors. She emphasised that staff undergo extensive screening and training before deployment, with welfare remaining a top priority.
The SACHO boss also urged government support for small-scale exporters to help them earn foreign exchange, stressing their importance in the aviation export chain.
She revealed that ground handlers are working together to prevent airlines from abandoning debts, explaining that any carrier owing one handler will not be allowed to engage another without clearing outstanding payments.
Aboderin further disclosed that SACHO has acquired land in Lagos for five major projects—an aviation school, training centre, warehouse, hotel and hostel—all scheduled to commence soon.
