Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has acquired and deployed a high-capacity AmbuLift at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria. This move aims to improve the safety, dignity, and efficiency of passenger handling services for persons with reduced mobility. The AmbuLift is equipped with a hydraulic lifting system that raises an enclosed passenger cabin to the level of an aircraft door.
The AmbuLift allows passengers to be transferred safely between the apron and aircraft, particularly at remote aircraft stands and locations where passenger boarding bridges are unavailable. SAHCO is the only aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to own and operate this specialized equipment. The company said the acquisition makes it well-positioned to provide specialized assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users and those who require stretcher support.
The investment in AmbuLift is part of SAHCO's broader effort to strengthen its passenger handling capabilities and ensure that passengers requiring additional assistance are handled safely and professionally. SAHCO's Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the acquisition would enable the company to provide appropriate equipment for passengers with reduced mobility instead of relying on improvised arrangements. He added that the equipment would provide SAHCO's personnel with the right tools to handle sensitive passenger assistance duties.
SAHCO's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, said the investment reflected the company's people-first approach to service delivery and its drive to align its operations with international standards. She described the AmbuLift as a significant addition to the company's operations, stressing that SAHCO is committed to providing safe, dignified, and professional services to all passengers, particularly those requiring additional assistance.
The deployment process involved technical and operational support from aviation specialists and training providers, including Expavia Aviation Consultants and Ergon Training Center. SAHCO's designated AmbuLift operators obtained certification in accordance with IATA AHM 1110 RMP 14m standards following a comprehensive training program. The certification and training were intended to ensure that SAHCO's personnel could operate the equipment safely and efficiently.
British Airways, one of SAHCO's premium customers, provided guidance during the process of acquiring and deploying the AmbuLift. The airline's input helped ensure that the deployment procedures and operational standards were aligned with global best practices and the expectations of international carriers. The development comes amid growing emphasis within the aviation industry on accessibility and the provision of appropriate services for passengers with disabilities.
SAHCO said its latest investment was intended not only to add another piece of ground support equipment to its fleet but also to strengthen the overall quality and safety of its passenger handling services. The company will continue to invest in modern equipment, technology, infrastructure, and personnel as part of efforts to improve safety, operational efficiency, and passenger experience across its operations.
Key points
- SAHCO acquires and deploys AmbuLift to enhance services for passengers with reduced mobility.
- The AmbuLift allows for safe transfer of passengers between apron and aircraft.
- SAHCO aims to provide safe, dignified, and professional services to all passengers, particularly those requiring additional assistance.
