Adenike Aboderin
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has unveiled a dramatic turnaround in its third‑quarter performance, with revenue soaring to N31.68 billion in 2025, up N11.56 billion or 57 % from N20.12 billion a year earlier.
The strong top‑line growth was driven largely by higher handling volumes on the Lagos‑London corridor and expanded services at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Direct costs rose in tandem, climbing 73 % to N14.04 billion from N8.11 billion in Q3 2024, outpacing revenue growth and squeezing the cost‑to‑income ratio.
Nevertheless, gross profit jumped 47 % to N17.63 billion, reflecting the company’s ability to pass on higher operating expenses to customers.
Administrative expenses edged up 11 % to N7.42 billion, a modest increase compared with the surge in revenue, helping the bottom line.
As a result, profit before tax surged 86 % to N10.38 billion, up from N5.59 billion in the same period last year.
In a statement, the management attributed the robust performance to “the continued recovery of international travel, the successful launch of new routes by Nigerian carriers, and our relentless focus on operational efficiency.”
The company also highlighted its ongoing investment in modern ground‑handling equipment and digital ticketing platforms as key factors supporting margin expansion.
Analysts have reacted positively, noting that SAHCO’s Q3 results demonstrate the resilience of Nigeria’s aviation support sector amid persistent foreign‑exchange challenges and infrastructure constraints.
The stock, which has gained 12 % since the start of the year, is expected to remain buoyant as the company targets further growth through partnerships with regional airlines and the anticipated expansion of the Lagos‑Gatwick and Abuja‑Heathrow services.
Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc, which provides ground‑handling, cargo, and passenger services across Nigeria’s major airports, said it will continue to pursue strategic initiatives aimed at deepening its market share and improving service quality, while maintaining a cautious outlook on regulatory and macroeconomic headwinds.
