By Our Reporter

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Nigeria’s oldest aviation company, Aero Contractors has once again reaffirmed its pioneering role in African aviation by showcasing its expanded Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services at the recently concluded Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Kigali, Rwanda.

The summit, which gathered airlines, regulators, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and other key players from across the continent, provided a platform for Aero to demonstrate how its Lagos-based MRO facility is positioning itself as a trusted, cost-effective partner for carriers looking for Africa-based maintenance solutions.

Speaking on the sidelines of the exhibition on Monday, Engr. James Ominyi, Head of the Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Division at Aero, said interest in the company’s services has been overwhelming. “Our expanded capabilities and ongoing upgrades are attracting significant attention from airlines eager to cut costs and reduce turnaround times. More operators are now realizing they no longer have to take their heavy checks abroad; the expertise exists right here in Africa,” Ominyi explained.

Aero’s delegation to Kigali was led by senior executives, including its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Charles Grant, alongside Ominyi, Technical Director, Engr. Emmanuel Adeyeye, General Manager Rotary Wing, Engr. Garba Mouktar, and MRO Business Development Manager, Mr. Adeyemi Adewojo.

Grant stressed that the company’s renewed push into the continental MRO space is backed by the strong support of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). “With AMCON’s commitment, we have been able to scale our operations and overcome long-standing portfolio challenges. Aero is not only surviving; it is thriving and transforming into a true hub for aircraft maintenance in Africa,” he said.

The company’s Lagos-based facility, widely regarded as one of the most advanced in West and Central Africa, is steadily expanding its range of services. Grant noted: “We handle line and base maintenance for Boeing 737 Classics and Next Generation aircraft, as well as regional jets and turboprops. Our rotary-wing division is equally strong, offering scheduled and unscheduled maintenance for platforms like the AW139, which are critical to the oil and gas sector.”

He added that Aero’s specialised workshops, covering wheels and brakes, batteries, upholstery, structural repairs, and avionics, are currently undergoing major upgrades. “These improvements are in preparation for European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, which will further align us with global best practices,” Grant said.

The facility already enjoys certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and endorsements from the Ghana, Mongolian, and Senegalese Civil Aviation Authorities, underscoring Aero’s compliance with international standards.

Aero’s growing client base reflects this credibility. Ominyi explained: “We have provided base maintenance services for PassionAir of Ghana, Transair of Senegal, and several Nigerian carriers. We also support Royal Air Maroc with line maintenance while our rotary-wing division continues to play a vital role for offshore oil and gas operators. This shows how versatile our technical capacity has become.”

Looking to the future, Grant described Aero’s ambition in clear terms. “With more than six decades of aviation history, we are building on our legacy to serve the next generation of African operators. Our upgraded MRO sends a clear message that Africa has both the infrastructure and the technical expertise to sustain its own aviation industry. This means saving costs, creating jobs, and keeping value within the continent,” he said.

By showcasing its strengthened capabilities in Kigali, Grant concluded, “Aero Contractors has once again reinforced its reputation as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s aviation industry and a driving force in Africa’s move to reduce dependence on overseas facilities for major aircraft maintenance.”