Aero Contractors Expands Maintenance Hub in Bid to Dominate West and Central Africa
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Aero Contractors has embarked on a major expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, with ambitions to transform it into a one-stop maintenance hub for Western and Central Africa. The move is expected to enhance its capacity for heavy maintenance visits while catering to a broader range of aircraft.
The airline’s Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, disclosed the plans following the signing of a strategic agreement with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The partnership aims to promote industry-led safety training, knowledge exchange, and human capital development to bolster aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
Sanusi revealed that the MRO facility is currently undergoing extensive renovations and hangar expansion, a process expected to be completed within 90 days. “We are investing heavily in infrastructure improvements, including raising the hangar roof, upgrading flooring, modernising electrical systems, and improving lighting,” he said.
A Growing Maintenance Portfolio
Aero Contractors’ MRO currently services a range of aircraft, including Boeing 737 NGs, Airbus A320s, CRJs, and Embraer 145s. The airline is acquiring new tools and expanding its workshop to cater to both older and next-generation aircraft.
In a statement, the company announced it had secured line maintenance contracts with operators of the Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner, marking a significant step towards servicing modern aircraft for regional and international operators.
“We are building the capability for the CRJ and intend to handle engine maintenance, auxiliary power unit (APU) overhauls, landing gear repairs, and component servicing,” Sanusi said. “We can already perform D-checks on Boeing 737 Classics and Dash 8 aircraft, and our objective remains to be the go-to maintenance hub in the region.”
Bridging the Gap Between Routine and Heavy Maintenance
Sanusi also provided insight into the differences between scheduled checks and heavy maintenance visits (HMV). Scheduled maintenance typically follows A, B, C, and D check cycles, with A and B checks performed frequently as part of line maintenance, while C and D checks are more intensive and require base maintenance.
Heavy Maintenance Visits, however, operate under a Maintenance Steering Group (MSG) programme, which moves away from traditional calendar-driven maintenance schedules. Instead, HMV focuses on real-time component performance and reliability, using data-driven insights to schedule repairs and replacements based on actual wear and tear rather than arbitrary timeframes.
Sanusi explained that this modern approach is particularly beneficial for newer aircraft, whose components have proven reliability over time. “This method allows for more efficient maintenance planning, reduces unnecessary downtime, and enhances both safety and aircraft longevity,” he noted.
With its ambitious expansion plans and growing list of high-profile clients, Aero Contractors is positioning itself as a dominant force in aircraft maintenance across West and Central Africa. As the MRO facility nears completion, the airline is on track to elevate Nigeria’s aviation industry and establish itself as a crucial player in the global aerospace sector.
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