Uganda Airlines which is the flag carrier of the Republic of Uganda would be flying from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda thrice a week to Lagos, Nigeria.

The airline that is rated at the top of the list of the youngest fleets of the world airlines is also known as the Uganda National Airlines Company.

Mr. Patrick Ziwa, the Ugandan Country Manager said concerning the partnership between SAHCO and Uganda Airlines that they are happy and blessed to be in Nigeria starting from the 19th of October, 2023. He went on to say that Uganda Airlines is excited about working with SAHCO, partnering with SAHCO and also supporting SAHCO during this novel journey.

SAHCO has been able to attract and retain the confidence of both her existing airlines and new airlines due to the seamless, safe and speedy service delivery which SAHCO is known for.

SAHCO is the only Aviation Ground Handling company that is present in all the commercially operated airports in Nigeria.

In recent times, many foreign airlines have moved their aviation ground handling operations to SAHCO so as to enjoy being handled by a loyal and dedicated workforce who are well trained and whose integrity is undoubtable, delivering their activities in line with global best practices.

Also, SAHCO has invested on modern aviation ground support equipment (GSE) which operate on alternative power sources and are rugged to enable effective maneuvering in the Nigerian terrain.

These GSE are also equipped with the technology to guarantee zero carbon emission to ensure the commitment of SAHCO to protecting the environment. Among these is the first ever Cool Dollies which are used to convey temperature sensitive shipment from the aircraft to the warehouse to safeguard that the shipments are not denatured.

In the same vein, Ibom Air has signed an aviation ground handling contract with SAHCO to handle her regional flights starting with the Lagos to Accra route which also commenced on October 17, 2023 by providing Passenger handling services, Baggage handling services, Ramp handling services, Cargo handling services and Premium Lounge services.

Despite operating in a challenging industry, SAHCO ensures that the focus is to confirm operational excellence which has helped in the handling of an array of aviation clients that enjoy customer specific services that are unique to them.

This has enabled SAHCO to be the leading player in the Nigerian aviation landscape by providing services to Aero Contractors, African World Airways, Air Cote D’Ivoire, KLM, Air France, Air Peace, Arik Air, Allied Air, Badr Airlines, Bristol Helicopters, British Airlines, Camair-Co, Caverton Helicopters, Dana Air, DHL Aviation, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Execujets, Green Africa Airlines, Ibom Air, Inter Air, Max Air, Middle East Airlines, Overland Airways, South African Airways, TAAG Angola, Tarco Airlines, United Airlines, United Nigeria, Airlines, XE Jet, Value Jet, Virgin Atlantic Cargo.

Since aviation is all about safety, SAHCO has ensured that the organization is RA3 certified, ISAGO certified and ISO9001 certified.

It is worthy to note that SAHCO is also the recipient of numerous awards both locally and internationally due to its quality service delivery in aviation ground handling operations in Nigeria.

Although, AON claimed it acceded to the calls from government to suspend the plan, however, about four airlines had already pulled out of the Flights Cessation plan.

In a statement on Sunday evening,  AON said that further to numerous calls from the highest echelons in government with promises to urgently intervene in the crises being faced by airlines due to the astronomic and continuously rising cost of JetA1, the Association has acceded to requests to withdraw the action for the time being “while we allow for a fresh round of dialogue with government in the hope of reaching an amicable solution”. 

The statement jointly signed by Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, the AON President; Alhaji Shehu Wada – Executive Director, Max Air; Dr. Obiora Okonkwo – Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines; Capt. Roy Ilegbodu – CEO, Arik Air; Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood – CEO, Aero Contractors; Alhaji Faisal Abdulmunaf – MD, Azman Air and Barr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace, reads:

“We have also reached this decision with the highest consideration for our esteemed customers who have been faced with uncertainty over the last few days and to enable them to have access to travel to their various destinations for the time being during the period of discussions with relevant authorities. 

“In view of the above and in the interest of national economy and security considerations, AON hereby wishes to notify the general public that the earlier announced shutdown of operations on May 9, 2022 is hereby suspended in good fate pending the outcome of hopefully fruitful engagement with government”.