Binani Air is set to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation maintenance capacity with the construction of a multi-million-dollar Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The airline has signed a multi-million-dollar contract with an international firm for the development of a state-of-the-art hangar, which is expected to be completed within 12 months after construction begins.
Aishatu Binani, chairperson of Binani Group and president and chief executive officer of Binani Group of Companies, is leading the project, which is expected to reduce Nigerian airlines’ dependence on overseas maintenance facilities.
The proposed facility will undertake heavy aircraft maintenance, including C-checks and D-checks, services that Nigerian carriers currently outsource largely to facilities in Europe, the Middle East, Egypt and Ethiopia.
According to Binani, the project could help Nigeria retain or attract about $218 million in foreign exchange annually by reducing the amount of money airlines spend on heavy maintenance services outside the country.
“The project will revolutionise aircraft maintenance in the country and significantly improve our capacity,” Binani said.
Beyond reducing foreign exchange outflows, the MRO facility is expected to position Abuja as a potential aircraft maintenance hub for airlines operating across West and Central Africa.
The project is also expected to create employment opportunities for aircraft engineers, technicians and other aviation support professionals, while expanding the technical capacity available to the Nigerian aviation industry.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has long faced a shortage of major aircraft maintenance infrastructure, forcing airlines to send aircraft abroad for some high-level checks and repairs.
Industry stakeholders have identified the development of local MRO facilities as critical to reducing maintenance costs, improving aircraft availability and strengthening the country’s aviation value chain.
Binani Air has not disclosed the identity of the international contractor or the total value of the project. The airline said further details would be made available as construction progresses.
Construction is expected to commence following the completion of final regulatory clearances, with the 12-month completion period commencing from the start of site work.
