Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has upped the ante in ground-handling operations as it recently acquired state-of-the-art ground support equipment worth over N500 million.
Conducting journalists round the company’s newly refurbished headquarters and ongoing multi-million warehouse, which has reached an advanced stage, Olu Owolabi, managing director of the company, says SAHCOL has concentrated on the warehouse because it hopes to be the best in terms of facilities in West Africa.
At the equipment side, the duo of Olu Odebiyi, general manager, general operations of the company, and Lanre Adekola, general manager, engineering and maintenance, explain that SAHCOL in a bid to meet and even exceed customers’ expectation, keeps abreast of new technology, adding that the industry is dynamic.
“We have a commitment to service delivery and to exceed customers’ expectations, we have purchased some equipment that are fuel efficient, some cargo transporters and so on,” according to them.
Adekola, who gave a brief breakdown of the equipment, says there are new two trucks, water louser and fuel trucks in the fleet of the equipment, adding that the two transporters that are for moving pallets and containers are the latest in the sector. There are also two passenger steps, equipped with stabiliser, are of long and medium range and can be used for B737 and B747.
He discloses that a Pushback tractor will soon be delivered into the fleet from a renown manufacturer in the United Sates and the United Kingdom, adding that “the water truck can take up to 500 litres, it is quite reliable, it will enhance our operations and efficiency as some of the equipment replace forklift that can damage aircraft.”
On insurance and maintenance of the facilities, the company explains that there is three-year warranty agreement with the manufacturers, saying that it will receive any spare part within 48 hours of sending mails.
“Training is also part of the agreement with the manufacturers both in Nigeria and abroad, and it is normal for all equipment to be insured, especially on third party, because they move near the aircraft,” Adekola says.
Commenting on the development, a representative of foreign airlines commends the company for meeting up with global efficiency.
Arik Air and South African Airways management, who are also clients to SAHCOL, note that with the new equipment, they can only rely on it for on-time delivery of services.
Sade Williams
