In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) has announced a major portfolio expansion, securing a mix of renewed and new long-term contracts with key international and domestic carriers. This move underscores NAHCO’s dominant market position and signals robust confidence from airline partners in its service delivery capabilities.
The announcement, confirmed in a corporate statement issued by Mr. Tayo Ajajaye, Assistant General Manager of Corporate Communications, reveals strategic wins across both established and emerging airline segments.
Renewed Commitments from Global Carriers
NAHCO successfully renewed its service contracts with several prominent international airlines, reinforcing long-standing partnerships:
- Air France & KLM: Both contracts renewed for a three-year term, extending the partnership until 2028. This renewal is a testament to the consistent service provided to the SkyTeam alliance members.
- Virgin Atlantic: Also secured a three-year renewal, maintaining a key relationship with a major transatlantic carrier.
- RwandAir: Contract renewed for three years, effective October 1, 2025, solidifying NAHCO’s role in supporting the growth of a leading African airline at Lagos hub.
These renewals are critical. In the ground handling industry, retaining major international clients is often more challenging than acquiring new ones, as airlines meticulously audit safety records, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The repeated choice of NAHCO by these carriers suggests strong performance metrics and reliable partnership.
Expansion into New Markets and Airlines
Beyond renewals, NAHCO is aggressively expanding its client base:
- United Nigeria Airlines (Regional Operations): Secured a fresh five-year contract, effective August 1, 2025. This is a strategic capture of a growing domestic carrier’s regional expansion plans, indicating NAHCO’s tailored services for intra-African operations.
- Bellagio & Malaikair: Signed new contracts with these airlines for three and five years, respectively. While details on these carriers are less public, these wins demonstrate NAHCO’s appeal to newer and potentially niche market entrants, showcasing its scalable service model.
Leadership Insight: A Foundation of Trust and Investment
Company leadership directly linked these contract wins to its legacy and future investments.
Mr. Saheed Lasisi, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, emphasized the company’s heritage: “Our over 46 years of unblemished service delivery place us heads and shoulders above other service providers. This track record, built on safety, accuracy, and efficiency, is the bedrock of trust that convinces airlines to renew and sign new agreements.”
Furthermore, Group Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Olumuyiwa Olumekun, pointed to ongoing capital investment as a key differentiator: “With our new fleet of state-of-the-art ground support equipment being deployed—such as aircraft tugs, baggage loaders, and specialized transporters—NAHCO’s service delivery is poised for measurable improvement. This investment directly addresses airline needs for faster turnaround times and enhanced asset care.”
Broader Implications for the Aviation Sector
This flurry of contract activity is more than just corporate news; it has wider implications:
- Market Stability: Long-term contracts provide revenue visibility for NAHCO and operational stability for airlines, contributing to a more predictable aviation services environment in Nigeria.
- Standard Setting: As the market leader, NAHCO’s service benchmarks and safety protocols, driven by these partnerships, often set the standard for the entire Nigerian ground handling industry.
- Economic Indicator: The signing of new contracts with airlines like United Nigeria for regional ops suggests confidence in the growth of regional air travel demand, a positive economic signal.
In conclusion, NAHCO’s announcement of renewed and fresh contracts is a powerful indicator of its operational excellence and strategic positioning. It reflects a virtuous cycle where a proven track record and modernizing investments attract and retain business, which in turn fuels further industry leadership and service enhancement for the Nigerian aviation market.
Source: NAN News. Edited for context and analysis.
