Aviation
Aero Contractors MRO Facility Attracts Regional Interest
Aero Contractors MRO facility upgrades draw regional interest, positioning the airline as a leading aircraft maintenance hub in West and Central Africa
Aero Contractors MRO facility has taken centre stage in Africa’s aviation sector following its impressive showcase at the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition held in Kigali, Rwanda.
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Nigeria’s oldest airline used the prestigious gathering to highlight major upgrades to its Lagos-based Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre, now positioning itself as a regional and continental hub for aircraft servicing.
Speaking at the summit, James Ominyi, Head of the Approved Maintenance Organisation Division, noted that the enhanced MRO capabilities are generating serious interest from airlines across Africa.
“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 said.
The Aero Contractors delegation included senior figures such as CFO Charles Grant, Technical Director Emmanuel Adeyeye, GM Rotary Wing Garba Mouktar, and MRO Business Development Manager Adeyemi Adewojo—demonstrating the airline’s strong commitment to growth in this sector.
The company’s Lagos facility is now considered one of the most advanced MRO centres in West and Central Africa.
It offers a broad range of services, including line and base maintenance for Boeing 737 Classic and Next Generation aircraft, regional jets, and turboprops. It also handles helicopter maintenance for platforms like the AW139.
Aero’s workshops covering wheels, brakes, batteries, avionics, upholstery, and structural repairs are undergoing continued upgrades as the airline prepares for EASA certification.
These improvements follow the MRO’s existing approvals from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and international bodies, including those in Ghana, Mongolia, and Senegal.
According to the statement, this regulatory backing reinforces the facility’s credibility among regional and global operators.
Aero’s MRO has already delivered services to both domestic and regional clients, including Passion Airline and Royal Air Maroc.
Its rotary-wing division continues to support offshore oil and gas operations, showcasing the company’s technical depth and adaptability.
“With over six decades of aviation heritage, Aero is building on its legacy to serve the next generation of African operators,” said CFO Charles Grant.
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“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.”
The Gusau International Airport (GIA) in Zamfara state has passed the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) quality assurance tests and inspections ahead of the commencement of commercial operations next month.
The development comes as the airport prepares to begin scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to a statement by the state government on Tuesday, XEJet Limited is expected to operate bi-weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays from the first week of October.
An official of a leading Nigerian aviation agency said the airport’s instrument flight procedures had undergone ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process, with GIA completing and passing all the stages.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said the process was part of Nigeria’s efforts to implement corrective measures recommended by ICAO.
ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for coordinating international air navigation standards and promoting the safe and orderly development of international air transport.
Nigeria’s civil aviation system recorded an effective implementation (EI) score of 75 percent after an ICAO audit in 2023.
The official said ICAO conducted a follow-up inspection, known as the ICAO coordinated validation mission (ICVM), in April 2026, during which Nigeria had a significant safety concern (SSC).
He said the concern was resolved within the prescribed 40-day period, although Nigeria was required to implement associated medium-term corrective action plans.
As part of the corrective measures, the instrument flight procedures at several Nigerian airports were subjected to ICAO’s 17-step quality assurance and approval process.
“Of all the airports assessed, only Gusau International Airport (GIA) completed and passed all the 17 steps,” the senior aviation official said.
“The evidence of GIA’s successful completion of this demanding process formed part of the documentation submitted to ICAO.
“Following the ICVM, Nigeria achieved an impressive EI score of 95.1%.”
On September 21, the Zamfara government signed an air route development partnership agreement with XEJet for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau and Abuja.
The agreement is expected to enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.
Gusau International Airport internet deployment begins ahead of October 1 commercial operations, with free connectivity planned for passengers and staff
The Zamfara State Government has signed an Air Route Development Partnership Agreement with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights between Gusau International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday marked an important step towards improving connectivity and facilitating business, investment, tourism and economic growth in Zamfara State.
A statement by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the Zamfara State Deputy Governor, Malam Mani Mummuni, chaired the signing ceremony.
The statement added that the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, signed on behalf of the State Government.
The statement read in parts: “Zamfara State government has signed an Air Route Development Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with XEJet Limited for scheduled commercial flights connecting Abuja and Gusau.
“Under the agreement, XEJet will operate bi-weekly flights beginning next month.
“The new air route will enhance access to Zamfara and open greater opportunities for investors, businesses and visitors.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor emphasised that the partnership aligns with the state government’s strategic goal of enhancing transportation infrastructure.
He said, “The Gusau International Airport was built entirely from scratch and completed within two years.”
“The main goal of constructing the airport is to make it easier and more efficient for people and goods to move, which should help boost the economy.”
“Governor Lawal has been actively seeking international investors and donor agencies, all of whom are willing to invest in Zamfara.”
“This milestone of initiating a commercial flight will draw potential investors. Improving the state’s accessibility is our top priority, as it will create a more welcoming environment for business growth and investment.”
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