Ethiopian Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Services, the strategic business unit of Ethiopian Airlines, is ready to cooperate with fellow African Airlines and manufacturers, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said.
African Aviation MRO and Aviation Training Conference and Exhibition are underway in Addis Ababa under the theme of “Strengthening Africa’s MRO and Training Capacity for the Future.”
MRO Africa and Aviation Training Conference and Exhibition brings African Airlines, MRO Service providers, original equipment manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders together every year to discuss common issues related to MRO services.
Speaking at the occasion, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew said this event would be important for African airlines to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in one place, to address their issues and develop relationships.
It provides the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, share experiences, learn about industry trends, and engage in dialogues about future directions.
Thus, the CEO noted that recognizing the necessity of effective MRO services for the smooth operation and success of an airline, Ethiopian Airlines operates a modern MRO facility at its hub in Addis Ababa, established in 1957, and developed over the years.
In addition to supporting Ethiopian Airlines, this facility is providing different MRO services to other airlines both in Africa and the Middle East, he elaborated.
The services include airframe, engine and component maintenance, engineering, and material services.
“We are investing a lot of money to further expand our MRO facilities and capabilities to meet the needs of our growing operation and cater to the needs of other airlines in the region.”
Moreover, Mesfin said at this time, we are building two more hangars, a modern component maintenance complex, and a state-of-the-art aircraft parts warehouse here at our base, which is all expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
“We understand every airline cannot do this since it needs economies of scale. However, there is a big opportunity for cooperation among African Airlines, manufacturers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to avail the service in Africa at reasonable costs,” he underlined.
“Let us open up our minds and work towards more cooperation both at operational and strategic levels.”
He reaffirmed that Ethiopian MRO Services, the strategic business unit of Ethiopian Airlines Group, is ready to cooperate with fellow African Airlines and manufacturers in this respect.
State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Denge Boru said Ethiopia is committed to fostering the growth and development of the aviation industry, not only in Ethiopia but across the African continent.
Source: ENA