SAHCO Upgrades Airport Operations with New Ultra-Modern Ground Equipment
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has strengthened its operational capacity with the acquisition of new state-of-the-art Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to improve aircraft handling services across airports where it operates in Nigeria.
This investment is part of the company’s strategy to enhance efficiency, reliability, and service delivery in airport ground operations.
1. Acquisition of Advanced Pushback Tractor
One of the key additions to SAHCO’s equipment fleet is a modern pushback tractor manufactured by Goldhofer, a globally recognised German producer of aviation ground equipment.
Key Details
• Model: Goldhofer F300
• Engine: Powerful diesel engine
• Purpose: Used to push aircraft away from the gate before taxiing for takeoff
• Capability: Designed to service most wide-body aircraft
• Durability: Built with rugged materials suitable for Nigeria’s airport terrain
The tractor has already been deployed to one of SAHCO’s hub stations, helping the company improve turnaround time and operational efficiency.
2. Procurement of Five New Ground Power Units (GPUs)
In addition to the pushback tractor, SAHCO has acquired five Ground Power Units (GPUs) manufactured in France by Guinault, a globally respected aviation equipment company.
What Ground Power Units Do
GPUs provide electrical power to aircraft while they are parked on the ground, allowing the aircraft systems to function without relying on the plane’s engines.
Specifications of the New GPUs
• Capacity: 45kVA
• Voltage Output:
• 115 volts AC
• 28VDC power supply
• Engine Type: Fuel-efficient gasoline engines
3. Operational Benefits of the New Equipment
Improved Aircraft Handling
The new equipment will enable SAHCO to handle aircraft more efficiently, particularly large wide-body planes.
Fuel Efficiency
The compact design of the GPUs reduces fuel consumption, lowering operational costs.
Reliability in High-Traffic Airports
The rugged construction ensures the equipment can withstand intense operational use, especially in busy airport environments.
Wider Aircraft Compatibility
The GPUs can support:
• Most Class A aircraft
• Some Class B aircraft
This gives SAHCO greater flexibility when servicing different aircraft types.
4. Strategic Importance for SAHCO
This investment reflects SAHCO’s broader goal of:
• Improving ground handling efficiency
• Strengthening operational capacity across Nigerian airports
• Maintaining high service standards for airline clients
By deploying modern equipment, the company aims to improve turnaround times, safety, and overall service quality in its nationwide operations.
Bottom Line
SAHCO’s acquisition of new pushback tractors and ground power units signals a strategic upgrade of its airport ground handling infrastructure, positioning the company to deliver faster, more reliable, and more efficient services to airlines operating in Nigeria.
Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has strengthened its operational capacity with the acquisition of new state-of-the-art Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to improve aircraft handling services across airports where it operates in Nigeria.
This investment is part of the company’s strategy to enhance efficiency, reliability, and service delivery in airport ground operations.
1. Acquisition of Advanced Pushback Tractor
One of the key additions to SAHCO’s equipment fleet is a modern pushback tractor manufactured by Goldhofer, a globally recognised German producer of aviation ground equipment.
Key Details
• Model: Goldhofer F300
• Engine: Powerful diesel engine
• Purpose: Used to push aircraft away from the gate before taxiing for takeoff
• Capability: Designed to service most wide-body aircraft
• Durability: Built with rugged materials suitable for Nigeria’s airport terrain
The tractor has already been deployed to one of SAHCO’s hub stations, helping the company improve turnaround time and operational efficiency.
2. Procurement of Five New Ground Power Units (GPUs)
In addition to the pushback tractor, SAHCO has acquired five Ground Power Units (GPUs) manufactured in France by Guinault, a globally respected aviation equipment company.
What Ground Power Units Do
GPUs provide electrical power to aircraft while they are parked on the ground, allowing the aircraft systems to function without relying on the plane’s engines.
Specifications of the New GPUs
• Capacity: 45kVA
• Voltage Output:
• 115 volts AC
• 28VDC power supply
• Engine Type: Fuel-efficient gasoline engines
3. Operational Benefits of the New Equipment
Improved Aircraft Handling
The new equipment will enable SAHCO to handle aircraft more efficiently, particularly large wide-body planes.
Fuel Efficiency
The compact design of the GPUs reduces fuel consumption, lowering operational costs.
Reliability in High-Traffic Airports
The rugged construction ensures the equipment can withstand intense operational use, especially in busy airport environments.
Wider Aircraft Compatibility
The GPUs can support:
• Most Class A aircraft
• Some Class B aircraft
This gives SAHCO greater flexibility when servicing different aircraft types.
4. Strategic Importance for SAHCO
This investment reflects SAHCO’s broader goal of:
• Improving ground handling efficiency
• Strengthening operational capacity across Nigerian airports
• Maintaining high service standards for airline clients
By deploying modern equipment, the company aims to improve turnaround times, safety, and overall service quality in its nationwide operations.
Bottom LineSAHCO’s acquisition of new pushback tractors and ground power units signals a strategic upgrade of its airport ground handling infrastructure, positioning the company to deliver faster, more reliable, and more efficient services to airlines operating in Nigeria.
