Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has unveiled plans to expand its operations into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and selected African markets as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its regional footprint and diversify revenue streams, following a strong financial performance in the 2025 financial year.
The aviation ground handling company disclosed the expansion plans at its 16th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where it also presented its audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025.
Chairman of SAHCO, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the company is positioning itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the aviation and logistics sectors across Africa and the Middle East, noting that the proposed expansion is aimed at enhancing the company’s competitiveness and long-term growth prospects.
According to him, the move will enable SAHCO to broaden its market reach beyond Nigeria, strengthen its revenue base, and establish a stronger presence in key aviation hubs across the continent and the Gulf region.
The expansion plans come on the back of a robust financial performance that saw the company significantly improve its earnings and balance sheet position during the year under review.
SAHCO reported revenue of N44.46bn in 2025, representing a 53.6 per cent increase from N28.94bn recorded in 2024.
The company attributed the growth to increased passenger and cargo handling volumes, improved operational efficiency, and continued investments in modern ground support equipment and infrastructure.
Profit before tax rose sharply to N12.01bn from N6.49bn in the preceding year, while profit after tax stood at N9.74bn, reflecting improved profitability across its operations.
The company’s earnings per share increased to N7.20 from N3.57 in 2024, while shareholders’ equity grew to N62.21bn, indicating stronger value creation for investors.
Similarly, total assets climbed to N82.69bn, supported by investments in property, plant and equipment as well as improved liquidity levels.
Afolabi said the performance demonstrated the company’s ability to sustain growth despite economic and operational challenges facing the aviation sector, adding that management remained focused on operational efficiency, service quality, and strategic investments.
Industry analysts note that SAHCO’s expansion ambitions align with growing opportunities in Africa’s aviation industry, where increased passenger traffic, cargo movement, and airport infrastructure development are driving demand for ground handling and logistics services.
SAHCO currently maintains operations across all commercial airports in Nigeria, making it the only aviation ground handling company with a presence in every commercial airport in the country.
The company provides a range of aviation support services, including passenger handling, baggage and ramp operations, cargo handling, aviation security services, crew administration, and premium lounge services.
With its latest expansion strategy, SAHCO is seeking to leverage its domestic market leadership and operational experience to compete for opportunities beyond Nigeria, as aviation activity across Africa and the Middle East continues to recover and expand.
(The Whistler)
