Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC has once again demonstrated exceptional operational efficiency by achieving a record-breaking 37-minute turnaround time for an Ethiopian Airlines B777 cargo aircraft at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.
Industry insiders confirm that the global average turnaround time for long-haul flights is typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, while short-haul flights average 25-35 minutes. However, SAHCO’s operations team surpassed expectations by offloading and preparing the 37-pallet aircraft for departure in just 37 minutes.
Ethiopian Airlines staff present during the operation expressed admiration for SAHCO’s seamless coordination and structured teamwork, a hallmark of the company’s commitment to efficiency.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source close to the operations
disclosed that turning around a B777 cargo aircraft of this size typically takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. The 37-minute achievement further cements SAHCO’s reputation as a ground handling leader in Africa.
SAHCO, formerly known as Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited, transitioned from a government-owned entity to a private one in 2009, when it was handed over to the Sifax Group after a competitive privatization process. The company has since adopted innovative business models to deliver efficient and speedy aviation ground handling services.
This remarkable achievement showcases SAHCO’s readiness to handle complex ground operations with speed and precision, setting a benchmark for the aviation industry in Nigeria and beyond.
