Some Nigerian domestic airlines, such as United Nigeria, XEJet, and Ibom Air, are establishing local facilities to maintain their aircraft. This action will help save limited foreign exchange (forex) used for repairs abroad.
Nigerian airlines often rely on overseas maintenance, but some invest in local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This shift helps reduce their forex expenses.
In 2024, airlines obtained loans and partnerships to purchase ten new aircraft for local routes. This development shows growing investor confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector. With the construction of MROs, airlines can now repair their leased planes domestically, decreasing capital flight and conserving forex.
United Nigeria Airlines has partnered with Cronos Aviation, an international charter airline based in Montreal. They signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) 2024 to construct an MRO in Nigeria.
Obiora Okonkwo, chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, said, “Apart from aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance erodes airline revenue.” He said the partnership would help reduce operating costs and save Nigeria’s foreign exchange.
Okonkwo also noted the high number of aircraft on the ground due to strict foreign exchange rates, which complicates airline regular maintenance.
XEJet recently began constructing its MRO, flight support, and engineering centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo, led the ceremony. Keyamo praising the projects for the sustainability of local airlines.
Ibom Air is also setting up an MRO to serve the African continent, similar to MROs operated by EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. They are collaborating with Airbus Consulting to develop their maintenance strategy for the next six to eight years, which includes comprehensive work plans.
Olumide Ohunayo, an industry analyst at Zenith Travels, explained that getting the necessary certifications allows Nigeria to attract other airlines seeking repairs. He also pointed out that neighbouring countries lack MRO facilities, making Nigeria a potential hub for aircraft and component repairs.
In the past year, airlines in Nigeria began focusing on local maintenance due to forex scarcity affecting overseas repairs.
Ado Sanusi, CEO of Aero Contractors and Aero MRO, observed, “Since the unification of the foreign exchange, we have seen more airlines use our facility.” He added that the demand for local maintenance has increased significantly, filling their hangars and forcing them to use Air Force facilities for additional space.
Before the exchange rate unification, airlines accessed favourable dollar rates through the Central Bank of Nigeria. Those advantages have diminished, pushing airlines to rely more on local MRO facilities.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
