Nigeria's leading aviation ground handling companies have kicked off 2026 with significant announcements, highlighting contract renewals with major international carriers and a renewed commitment to service excellence.
NAHCO Secures Major Airline Partnerships
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) has successfully signed and renewed several key contracts with major airlines, ensuring its role as a primary service provider. According to a statement from the company's Communications Manager, Tayo Ajakaye, the new agreements solidify long-standing relationships and forge new ones.
Among the notable renewals are contracts with Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and RwandAir. Furthermore, NAHCO has entered into fresh handling agreements with United Nigeria – Regional, Bellagio, and Malaikair.
The contract terms vary, with the deals for Air France and KLM set for three years, running until 2028. Virgin Atlantic's agreement also spans three years. The new pact with United Nigeria (Regional) is for a longer period of five years, effective from August 1, 2025. Contracts with Bellagio and Malaikair are for three and five years, respectively.
Prince Saheed Lasisi, NAHCO's Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, expressed satisfaction with the developments. He emphasized the company's nearly five-decade legacy and its ongoing commitment to exceeding customer expectations.
SAHCO Doubles Down on Service Delivery and Growth
In a parallel development, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has outlined its core priorities for 2026, focusing on operational excellence, ethical practices, innovation, and sustainable growth.
In a statement released by its Head of Corporate Communications, Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO acknowledged the crucial support from its stakeholders and partner government agencies. The company credited this collaboration for enabling more effective customer service and achieving shared goals.
SAHCO also praised the dedication and professionalism of its nationwide staff, noting that their teamwork was instrumental in reaching key operational milestones throughout 2025.
Expanding Client Base and Future Outlook
The SAHCO statement highlighted a successful year of client acquisition, with several new airlines joining its portfolio. These include Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, Air Algérie, ValueJet Airlines, and Binani Airlines.
Furthermore, United Nigeria Airlines expanded its partnership with SAHCO to include its regional routes alongside existing domestic services. The company also added ExeJet/Enugu Air and began handling Air Peace's operations to Antigua and Barbados.
These announcements from both NAHCO and SAHCO signal a robust and competitive year ahead for Nigeria's aviation ground handling sector. The focus on securing long-term contracts and committing to higher service standards points towards a period of sustained growth and enhanced operational capacity at the nation's airports.
