“IBOM AIR’S MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND OVERHAUL (MRO) FACILITY AIM TO MINIMIZE CAPITAL FLIGHT IN AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE”

Ibom Air has indicated that the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) project underway in Akwa Ibom State will contribute to filling the gap in the African continent.

As part of the state government’s strategy to transform Ibom Airport into a hub in West Africa, Ibom Air’s Group Manager of Marketing and Communications, Mrs. Aniekan Essienette, highlighted the significance of the MRO project, positioning Uyo as a preferred destination for aircraft maintenance.

Nigeria currently expends significant funds annually on maintaining aircraft abroad. Ibom Air’s advanced-stage MRO is poised to offer maintenance and repair services for aircraft owned by both domestic and other African airlines.

Essienette emphasized, “Our MRO is to fill a gap in the aviation space, considering there are only a few MROs across African countries. The plan, at the time of setup, was to venture into MRO to capture the market, reduce high maintenance costs nationwide, and curtail capital flights linked to maintenance.”

She outlined the phases of Ibom Air’s expansion strategy, encompassing the MRO, airport development, and the airline itself. The ultimate goal is to establish a hub airport, aligning with their business plan to become a regional airline that serves not only the region and Nigeria but the entire West African region.

Addressing the challenges posed by the depreciation of the naira against the dollar, Essienette noted that the increased operational costs for airlines, including higher fuel prices, are significant concerns. The dilemma arises as airlines are reluctant to pass these increased costs on to passengers, creating a complex situation for the industry.

Abdullateef Aliyu; From the News Source: DailyTrust