BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest aviation company, made a bold statement at the recent Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda, where it flaunted its upgraded Maintenance, Ràepair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
The summit, which drew airlines, regulators, Original Equipment Manufacturers and aviation stakeholders from across the continent, provided a strong platform for Aero to highlight its role as a trusted partner for operators seeking reliable, efficient and locally based maintenance solutions.
Engineer James Ominyi, Head of Aero’s Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) Division, said the exhibition generated considerable interest.
“Our improved capabilities and ongoing upgrades are attracting significant attention from airlines looking to reduce costs and turnaround times by carrying out their heavy maintenance checks within Africa,” he noted.
The Aero delegation, led by senior management, included Chief Financial Officer Charles Grant, Technical Director Engr. Emmanuel Adeyeye, GM Rotary Wing Engr. Garba Mouktar, and MRO Business Development Manager Mr. Adeyemi Adewojo.
Their presence highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its continental footprint and strengthening partnerships with regional and international operators.
Aero’s Lagos-based MRO is one of the most advanced facilities in West and Central Africa, offering comprehensive line and base maintenance for Boeing 737 Classic and NG aircraft, regional jets, and turboprops, alongside specialized helicopter maintenance for scheduled and unscheduled checks, including the AW139 and other rotary platforms.
The facility also houses robust workshops for wheels and brakes, batteries, upholstery, structural repairs and avionics, all undergoing upgrades in line with international standards in preparation for EASA certification.
Certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and recognized by several international regulators, including the Ghana, Mongolian and Senegalese Civil Aviation Authorities, Aero’s MRO underscores the company’s compliance with global standards and its credibility with both African and non-African operators.
The facility serves a range of domestic and regional airlines, such as PassionAir of Ghana and Transair of Senegal, while also supporting line maintenance for Royal Air Maroc.
Its rotary-wing division has extended services to offshore oil and gas operators, reflecting the company’s technical versatility.
“With over six decades of aviation heritage, Aero is building on its legacy to serve the next generation of African operators,” said Charles Grant, CFO of Aero Contractors.
“Our upgraded MRO is a clear signal that Africa has the expertise and infrastructure to sustain its aviation industry locally, while saving costs, creating jobs, and retaining value on the continent.”
With the backing of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Aero’s MRO expansion is a strategic milestone in positioning Nigeria as a hub for world-class aviation maintenance in Africa, demonstrating that the continent can provide sophisticated, homegrown solutions for its growing aviation needs.
