Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has acquired and deployed a high-capacity AmbuLift to strengthen passenger handling services for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
The company said the acquisition makes it the only aviation ground handling company in Nigeria to own and operate the specialised equipment.
According to Adetola Vanessa Uansohia , the company’s corporate communications head who disclosed this in a press release , the AmbuLift is designed to assist passengers who require additional support, including wheelchair users and those requiring stretcher assistance, to safely board and disembark aircraft.
The equipment uses a hydraulic lifting system to raise an enclosed cabin to the level of an aircraft door, enabling passengers to be transferred safely, particularly at remote stands or locations where passenger boarding bridges are unavailable.
The latest investment builds on SAHCO’s earlier acquisition of Evac-Chairs, which are used to facilitate the safe movement of passengers with reduced mobility on aircraft steps.
According to the company, the two investments are aimed at improving accessibility, passenger safety and the quality of services provided to passengers requiring special assistance.
SAHCO said British Airways, one of its premium customers, provided guidance during the AmbuLift acquisition and deployment process to ensure that its procedures and operational standards were aligned with international best practices and the expectations of global airlines.
The Chairman of SAHCO, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, said the acquisition would enable the company to provide appropriate assistance to passengers with reduced mobility rather than relying on improvised arrangements.
“Owning and operating the AmbuLift means we can respond directly to the needs of passengers with reduced mobility rather than improvising,” Afolabi said.
He added that the equipment would provide SAHCO’s teams with the appropriate tools to handle passengers requiring special assistance while giving passengers and their families greater confidence in the handling process.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SAHCO, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said the investment reflected the company’s people-first approach to service delivery and its commitment to international standards.
“The AmbuLift is a significant addition to our operations and demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, dignified and professional services to every passenger, particularly those requiring additional assistance,” she said.
Aboderin added that the company’s investment in both the AmbuLift and Evac-Chairs was part of a deliberate effort to strengthen its PRM handling capabilities.
Before the deployment, UK-based aviation consultancy Expavia Aviation Consultants provided project advisory and coordination support for the testing, commissioning, certification and training programme.
Ergon Training Center, a European ground support equipment specialist, also conducted theoretical and practical training, technical inspections and functional checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
SAHCO said its designated AmbuLift operators subsequently obtained certification in line with IATA AHM 1110 RMP 14m standards.
The company said the measures were designed to ensure that the equipment is properly operated and maintained in accordance with required safety and operational standards.
SAHCO provides aviation support services including passenger handling, baggage handling, ramp handling, cargo handling, aviation security and premium lounge services.
The company said it would continue to invest in equipment, technology, infrastructure and personnel to improve safety, operational efficiency and passenger experience across its operations.
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