The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has announced that the airline’s N32 billion Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility will generate more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the project at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Wednesday, Onyema described the development as a major milestone for the aviation industry.

He revealed that Air Peace had acquired the 34,000-square-metre land parcel eight years ago in anticipation of the initiative.

Onyema disclosed that Nigerian carriers spend over N180 billion annually on maintenance abroad due to limited capacity and difficulty in securing slots overseas, often pushing them to seek services in South Africa.

Onyema stated: ‎

“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.”

He emphasised that the new facility would attract foreign investment, enhance local capacity, and draw international airlines to Nigeria for maintenance services, including carriers from Europe and the Americas.

According to him, the facility, expected to be completed within 24 months, will not only service Air Peace aircraft but also those of other domestic and international airlines, thereby reducing the huge capital flight on aircraft repairs.

The MRO will handle Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and private jets, with Air Peace already securing a partnership with Embraer of Brazil for global maintenance support.

Onyema praised President Bola Tinubu and Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, for reforms that have boosted confidence in the sector.

Bank of Industry’s Executive Director for Large Enterprises, Mrs. Ifeoma Uzokpala, lauded Air Peace for embarking on a project that will foster sustainable employment and positively impact Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

Representatives of MO and A Contractors explained that the facility will span 32,000 square metres and feature a 6,150-square-metre clear-space hangar capable of accommodating a Boeing 777ER, along with apron space, storage areas, workshops, and a four-storey office complex.

Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director for Corporate Banking, Mr. Abolore Solebo, also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Air Peace, noting that the partnership had already led to the creation of a dedicated aviation desk at the bank.