Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has strengthened its aviation ground handling operations with the acquisition of the EVAC+CHAIR emergency evacuation chair.
The investment is aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility and emergency response for passengers with reduced mobility, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusive and world-class ground handling services.
The EVAC+CHAIR, regarded globally as the leading stairway evacuation chair since 1982, is designed to safely transport passengers with limited mobility during emergencies and while navigating stairways.
Equipped with an advanced gravity and friction control system, the chair allows trained personnel to move passengers safely up and down stairs without heavy lifting, reducing physical strain on operators while ensuring passenger comfort and safety.
The equipment also features secure safety harnesses, durable rubber track systems and an ergonomic design, enabling more efficient aircraft boarding, disembarkation and emergency evacuation procedures.
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Adetola Vanessa Uansohia, SAHCO said the acquisition underscores its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every passenger, regardless of physical ability, receives safe, dignified and professional ground handling services.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, CON, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the investment reflects the company’s determination to deliver world-class services that meet the needs of all passengers.
“At SAHCO, we believe that air travel should be accessible, safe and comfortable for everyone. This investment demonstrates our commitment to inclusive service delivery by ensuring that passengers with reduced mobility receive the highest level of care, dignity and professional assistance. We continuously invest in modern equipment and innovative solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency and customer experience,” she said.
Aboderin noted that the acquisition further reinforces SAHCO’s position as the preferred ground handling partner for airlines operating into Nigeria, adding that the company remains committed to maintaining international best practices across all aspects of its operations.
The latest acquisition follows another milestone recorded by the company in 2025 when it became the first aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to procure the Rapiscan Itemiser 5X, an advanced Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) system recommended by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for its superior capability in detecting explosives and narcotics.
According to the company, its continued investment in cutting-edge technology, modern ground support equipment, staff development and globally recognised safety standards has enabled it to maintain leadership in Nigeria’s aviation handling sector.
SAHCO said the investments have significantly improved operational efficiency, aircraft turnaround times and passenger experience while supporting airlines with reliable, safe and efficient ground handling services.
The company also highlighted its unique nationwide operational network, noting that it remains the only aviation ground handling company with a presence at all commercially operated airports across Nigeria. This, it said, gives airline partners a seamless platform to expand their domestic operations while enjoying consistent service standards across the country.
SAHCO maintained that its extensive national footprint, combined with continuous investments in innovation and safety, reinforces its reputation as Nigeria’s preferred aviation ground handling company and a provider of future-ready ground handling solutions.
