The Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to operational efficiency, safety enhancement, and improved passenger experience following a high-level meeting with Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos.

Aboderin, alongside members of SAHCO’s executive management team, paid a courtesy visit to BASL as part of efforts to deepen institutional collaboration and strengthen operational synergy within Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The engagement brought together senior officials of both organisations to discuss key industry issues including airport safety management, operational efficiency, infrastructure expansion, technological innovation, baggage handling, passenger facilitation, and stakeholder collaboration.

Welcoming the delegation, the Acting Chief Operating Officer and Head of Aeronautical and Cargo Services at BASL, Mr. Remi Jibodu, stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among aviation stakeholders in achieving seamless airport operations and improved customer satisfaction.

“At MMA2, our focus remains on creating an efficient, safe, and passenger-friendly airport environment. Achieving this requires strong collaboration among all operators within the aviation value chain,” Jibodu said.

He noted that BASL had continued to strengthen operational efficiency through enhanced monitoring systems, real-time performance reporting, stakeholder accountability mechanisms, and infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing congestion, improving turnaround time, and ensuring seamless passenger processing.

Jibodu also commended SAHCO’s commitment to operational improvement and safety enhancement, describing stakeholder engagements as critical to improving service delivery across the aviation sector.

In her remarks, Aboderin congratulated BASL on the recent settlement announcement made by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, expressing optimism that the development would open new opportunities for stronger collaboration and long-term industry growth.

“We believe this development will further strengthen collaboration and create greater opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term growth within the aviation industry. As a key partner within the aviation ecosystem, we also look forward to being appropriately positioned for the upcoming expansion,” she stated.

Aboderin said the visit was aimed at aligning operational objectives and building stronger partnerships capable of driving sustainable growth across the aviation ecosystem.

“The aviation industry operates as an interconnected system, and collaboration among stakeholders is critical to achieving operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and improved passenger experience,” she added.

The SAHCO Managing Director disclosed that the company was currently investing heavily in modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE), staff training, digital solutions, and customer service enhancement initiatives to meet evolving airline and industry expectations.

According to her, SAHCO is also intensifying operational discipline, safety culture, and soft skills development among personnel while introducing improved monitoring systems to reduce operational risks and enhance airside efficiency.

Speaking on ongoing expansion discussions within the sector, Aboderin said the planned introduction of a slot management system would improve turnaround time, operational planning, equipment deployment, and overall coordination as passenger traffic continues to rise.

The meeting also focused on apron safety, operational discipline, fatigue management, behavioural compliance among airside personnel, and the need to sustain efficient turnaround times to support operational reliability and passenger convenience.

Both organisations agreed on the need for continuous training, stronger safety oversight, counselling programmes, and stricter monitoring systems to reduce operational incidents within the airport environment.

They also explored opportunities for leveraging technology and shared operational platforms to improve communication, coordination, and data visibility among airlines, airport operators, and ground handling companies.

The meeting ended with renewed commitments from both SAHCO and BASL to sustain collaboration towards improving safety standards, infrastructure development, operational efficiency, and service delivery across Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed support for indigenous airlines as Bayelsa State-owned Pioneer Airlines officially moves closer to commencing operations after securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received the airline’s management team in Abuja on Wednesday following the successful certification of the carrier.

The delegation was led by Pioneer Airlines Group Managing Director, Capt. Okobaundu Henry Ungbuku, who formally presented the airline’s AOC certificate to the Minister and thanked the Federal Ministry of Aviation and its agencies for supporting the certification process.

Capt. Ungbuku described the approval as a significant achievement for Bayelsa State and said the development demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines.

He praised the Ministry for encouraging private and state-backed investment in the aviation sector and creating policies that support local operators.

During the meeting, the Pioneer Airlines boss also introduced members of the airline’s management team responsible for operations, commercial services, safety, engineering, business development, and human resources.

Speaking during the visit, Keyamo welcomed the airline’s entry into the market and said the growing involvement of state governments in aviation would help expand Nigeria’s domestic and regional air transport network.

The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was developing a Nigerian Leasing Company to support local airlines with aircraft acquisition and reduce operational difficulties faced by indigenous carriers.

He explained that Pioneer Airlines could become one of the beneficiaries of the initiative when fully operational.

Keyamo further stressed that Nigeria has a large aviation market capable of supporting more local carriers, especially on regional routes currently dominated by foreign airlines.

According to him, stronger indigenous participation in the sector would improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The visit concluded with renewed commitments between the Ministry and Pioneer Airlines to work together towards expanding air transport opportunities and improving regional connectivity across the country.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has intensified efforts to reposition the country’s air cargo sector with a strategic engagement involving cargo agents and freight forwarders at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The meeting, organised by FAAN’s Directorate of Cargo Development and Services (DCDS), focused on plans for the proposed Cargo Village and the operational framework expected to drive a more efficient and globally competitive cargo system in Nigeria.

Held on May 12, 2026, the session brought together recognised agents’ associations operating across the cargo value chain under the theme: “Strategic Engagement Session on Cargo Village Development and Operational Framework.”

Representing the Director of Cargo Development and Services, Mr. Lekan Thomas, the General Manager, Cargo, Mrs. Alao Mamman, said stronger collaboration among stakeholders remained critical to the successful delivery of the Cargo Village project.

According to her, the initiative is designed to improve operational efficiency, simplify cargo handling procedures, and align airport cargo operations with international best practices and global standards.

Also speaking during the engagement, the General Manager, Cargo Partnerships and Registration, Engr. Jay Etim, outlined major components of the project, including the development of the Aviacargo Village, creation of an integrated cargo logistics hub, and co-location of cargo stakeholders within a coordinated operational environment.

He added that the framework would also strengthen operational standards, improve access control systems, and ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements while reinforcing the role of licensed cargo agents in the evolving aviation logistics ecosystem.

Stakeholders at the meeting were given the opportunity to contribute recommendations and operational insights aimed at ensuring the project reflects industry realities and promotes inclusiveness across the cargo sector.

FAAN said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to create a more structured, secure, and efficient cargo environment capable of supporting trade growth and boosting Nigeria’s aviation logistics capacity.