The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has announced that the airline’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center, which will cost N32 billion, will create more than 50,000 jobs.
Onyema shared this news during the groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, held on Wednesday at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
He expressed happiness about this achievement and said the airline bought the 34,000-square-metre land eight years ago in preparation for this important project.
He explained that the MRO center will not only repair Air Peace aircraft but will also be open to other Nigerian and international airlines.
Onyema said the project, which is expected to be completed in 24 months, will bring major foreign investment into Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He mentioned that it has become hard to find aircraft maintenance slots abroad, so many airlines go to South Africa. This new facility will help change that, bringing the business back to Nigeria.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for choosing Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, saying his leadership has improved Nigeria’s image in global aviation.
Onyema recalled the struggles of running an aviation business in Nigeria in the past, but said things have gotten much better for local airline companies.
He said Minister Keyamo has helped increase the capacity of Nigerian airlines over the past year.
He added, “With the President in office and a capable minister in charge, Nigeria’s aviation sector is growing fast. We are seeing the benefits.”
“Doing business is now easier. For the first time, Nigerian airlines are getting strong support to reach their goals,” he said.
“Just last year, we spent over N180 billion on maintaining aircraft overseas. The amount of money leaving the country for repairs and parts is very high,” he explained.
He said this new facility will attract foreign airlines, including those from Europe and the Americas, because it is now harder to find maintenance space abroad.
According to Onyema, the government’s support for private investments has given Air Peace the confidence to start this N32 billion project.
He also said the MRO center will eventually run independently, servicing not only Air Peace but also other Nigerian and international airlines.
Onyema revealed that Air Peace has partnered with Brazilian company Embraer to provide aircraft maintenance services, so Embraer planes from anywhere in the world can now be serviced in Nigeria.
He said the MRO will also handle aircraft from Boeing, Airbus, and private jets, helping to reduce the money spent abroad.
“This MRO will create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Engineers and technicians will be trained, and we’ll have shops for brakes, wheels, and batteries,” Onyema said.
Mrs. Ifeoma Uzokpala, Executive Director at the Bank of Industry, said the bank is proud to work with Air Peace on a project that will create long-term jobs.
She also said the facility will help improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange by keeping more money in the country.
Mr. Victor Ebong, speaking for MO and A Contractors, said the site is 32,000 square metres and includes a hangar large enough for a Boeing 777ER.
He added that there will be 5,000 square metres of apron space (where planes park), 2,800 square metres for storage, 1,500 for workshops, and a four-storey office building.
Mr. Abolore Solebo from Fidelity Bank said the bank’s support for Air Peace has led to the creation of a special aviation department.
He promised that the bank will continue to fully support the airline.
It was also reported that Zenith Bank and other partners were present at the ceremony to show their support for the project.
