By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has said that the airline’s N32 billion Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility will create over 50,000 jobs.

Onyema made the remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the development of the facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Wednesday in Lagos.

Expressing excitement over the milestone, Onyema noted that the airline acquired the 34,000-square-metre parcel of land eight years ago in anticipation of the historic project.

He explained that the facility would service not only Air Peace aircrafts, but also those belonging to other local and international airlines.

According to him, the facility, expected within 24 months, will attract significant foreign investment into Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Onyema said it had become difficult abroad to secure maintenance slots, forcing many airlines to South Africa. The facility would reverse that trend in Nigeria’s favour.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, who he said has enhanced Nigeria’s global aviation visibility.

Onyema recalled past difficulties in running aviation businesses in Nigeria, adding that conditions had now improved remarkably for local operators.

He said Keyamo ensured that the capacity of domestic operators had increased substantially in the last year.

“The coming of Mr. President and his appointment of a square peg in a square hole has propelled aviation to new heights. We are beneficiaries.

“The ease of doing business has returned. For the first time, airlines are being massively supported to achieve their dreams.

“Last year alone, we spent over N180 billion on aircraft maintenance abroad. The capital flight on spares and repairs is alarming,” he said.

He said the facility would attract foreign airlines, including those from Europe and the Americas, because maintenance slots were increasingly scarce abroad.

According to him, government support for private investment gave the airline confidence to embark on a project costing N32 billion.

He stressed that the MRO would eventually operate independently, servicing Air Peace, other Nigerian airlines, and international carriers.

Onyema disclosed that Air Peace had signed a partnership with Embraer of Brazil to provide maintenance support, ensuring Embraer aircraft worldwide could be serviced in Nigeria.

He said the facility would also cater for Boeing, Airbus, and private jets, thereby curbing capital flight.

“This MRO will create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Engineers and technical staff will be trained. There will be shops for brakes, wheels, and batteries,” Onyema added.

Mrs. Ifeoma Uzokpala, Executive Director, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry, said the bank was proud to partner with Air Peace on a project fostering sustainable employment.

She noted that the facility would also positively impact Nigeria’s foreign exchange.

Mr. Victor Ebong, representative of MO and A Contractors, said the site covers 32,000 square metres, including a 6,150 clear space hangar for a Boeing 777ER.

He added that there would be 5,000 square metres of apron space, 2,800 for storage, and 1,500 for workshops, alongside a four-storey office building.

Mr. Abolore Solebo, Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Fidelity Bank, said their support and partnership with Air Peace led to establishing a dedicated aviation desk.

He assured the airline of the bank’s full support.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zenith Bank and other partners were represented at the groundbreaking ceremony. (NAN)

Update news