United Nigeria Airlines has announced a partnership with Cronos Aviation to establish a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, a move aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing fleet capacity.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines plans for the MRO facility, which will not only provide aircraft maintenance services but also include code-sharing agreements to facilitate training for Nigerians in aircraft maintenance and technology transfer. This initiative will extend United Nigeria Airlines’ operations to destinations in Central and West Africa.
Cronos Aviation, with its expertise in aircraft maintenance and airline services, operates in several regions, including the West Coast of Africa and Central Africa. It currently has maintenance facilities at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and offers aviation services in Europe and Canada. The new facility in Nigeria aims to fill a critical gap in MRO services in West and Central Africa, servicing various aircraft types, including Boeing 737 Classics, B737NGs, B777s, and Airbus models.
During the MOU signing ceremony in Lagos, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, emphasized Cronos Aviation’s proven track record and capabilities as key factors in the partnership. He noted, “Cronos has been operating for over 13 years with certification to maintain Embraer and Boeing 737 aircraft. Our collaboration will establish essential MRO services in Nigeria, addressing the current lack of local capabilities.”
Okonkwo highlighted that aircraft maintenance is a significant expense for airlines, second only to aviation fuel. He expressed confidence that the new partnership would lower operational costs, conserve foreign exchange, and create opportunities for broader participation in the aviation sector. He pointed out that many aircraft are currently grounded due to high foreign exchange rates, complicating maintenance logistics. By establishing local maintenance capabilities, United Nigeria Airlines aims to alleviate the financial burden of sending aircraft overseas for repairs.
“This partnership will yield multi-dimensional benefits not just for United Nigeria Airlines but for the entire aviation industry and the nation as a whole,” he stated. “It will save foreign exchange, foster manpower development, and facilitate technology transfer.”
Okonkwo also addressed the challenges of aircraft on ground (AOG) caused by foreign exchange difficulties, explaining that the ability to maintain aircraft locally will reduce dependence on foreign currency. He noted that a standard C-check abroad costs airlines an average of half a million dollars, a significant capital flight that could be mitigated by local services.
He elaborated on the unique operational conditions in Nigeria, where short-distance flights result in higher maintenance frequency due to the high number of cycles. This makes local maintenance capabilities critical for efficient operations.
In terms of fleet expansion, Okonkwo announced plans to acquire six Embraer 190 aircraft by the second quarter of next year, with one already acquired. This will enhance United Nigeria Airlines’ capacity and operational efficiency. He detailed ongoing training for crew members, emphasizing the importance of both local and international certification, including European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) accreditation.
“Our commitment to training is strong, and many of our staff have already benefited from these initiatives,” Okonkwo said, underscoring the airline’s focus on safety and operational excellence.
Overall, the partnership with Cronos Aviation is poised to transform United Nigeria Airlines’ operational capabilities and enhance the broader Nigerian aviation landscape.
