SAHCO Achieves Global ISO 27001:2022 Data Security Certification

Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC (SAHCO) has reinforced its leadership in aviation ground handling and cybersecurity after attaining the globally recognised ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification—making it the only ground handling company in Nigeria and one of the few in Africa to achieve the prestigious standard.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is regarded as the international benchmark for information security management, providing a structured framework for protecting sensitive data, mitigating cyber risks, and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information. In today’s technology-driven aviation environment, the certification plays a vital role in safeguarding passenger and cargo records, airline partner data, operational systems, and regulatory communications.

The certification followed a rigorous audit and compliance assessment conducted by an accredited global certification body, during which SAHCO met all required standards. The milestone reflects the company’s sustained investment in cyber resilience, operational excellence, and secure service delivery across its aviation ground handling operations.

In modern ground handling—where digital platforms power flight coordination, cargo logistics, passenger services, and safety monitoring—strong information security has become essential for safe and efficient operations. By achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, SAHCO has demonstrated advanced capability in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing preventive safeguards, and maintaining business continuity amid evolving cyber threats.

According to the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Adetola Vanessa Uansohia, the new certification complements SAHCO’s existing portfolio of global recognitions, including ISAGO, RA3, EMS, QMS, SMS, ISO, and SON certifications, further strengthening its compliance and quality assurance framework.

Speaking on the achievement, Executive Director Dr Babatunde Afolabi emphasised that information security is an organisation-wide responsibility rather than a purely technical function. He noted that structured employee training, strict governance policies, and continuous monitoring systems have helped build a proactive security culture that supports safe, reliable, and secure aviation services.

The certification scope covers SAHCO’s key operational areas, including cargo handling, customer information management, operational technology systems, and core corporate support services. Implementation required comprehensive risk assessments, deployment of multilayered security controls, staff awareness programmes, incident-response planning, and robust business-continuity measures aligned with international best practices.

Industry stakeholders say the development further positions SAHCO as a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation ground handling sector, strengthening its reputation for innovation, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity leadership, and service excellence.
With the milestone, SAHCO joins a select group of global aviation ground handling providers operating under internationally certified information-security frameworks—setting a new benchmark for operational integrity in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, reinforcing data security, cyber resilience, and operational excellence in Africa’s aviation ground handling sector.