The Ethiopian Aviation Authority has issued its first Aircraft Maintenance license to a private company, One MRO Service Plc, marking a significant step in the country’s aviation sector.
This license authorizes the company to provide MRO services for Boeing 737 Classic and B737 Next Gen aircraft types. One MRO Service is also planning to construct an MRO centre to meet the growing maintenance needs of private airlines in Ethiopia, further enhancing the aviation industry’s landscape in the country.
Ethiopia’s aviation industry is poised for a significant milestone with the emergence of One MRO Service, the nation’s first privately owned aircraft maintenance provider, following the issuance of its license by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority. Based in Addis Ababa, One MRO Service has received certification to conduct maintenance on Boeing 737 Classic and NG aircraft models. While the company is currently offering maintenance services to Nigerian carriers, it has ambitious plans to establish a dedicated MRO facility in Ethiopia, specifically targeting local privately owned airlines.
This development positions One MRO Service in direct competition with the state-owned Ethiopian MRO, which serves both Ethiopian Airlines and external customers. One MRO Service offers a range of maintenance services, including line maintenance, Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery, engine replacement, and aircraft structural repairs. Notably, its commercial airline clients include Nigerian carrier Max Air and Sky Mali.
In contrast, Ethiopian MRO boasts a broader spectrum of capabilities, encompassing heavy maintenance for various aircraft types, such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 737, 767, 777, and 787, as well as the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 series. Additionally, Ethiopian MRO possesses expertise in overhauling CFM56-7B and PW150 engines.
Ethiopian MRO’s extensive customer portfolio in the region includes ASKY Airlines, Malawi Airlines, Tchadia Airlines, RwandAir, Jambojet, and Zambia Airways. The facility houses multiple hangars, including a closed-door hangar for widebody aircraft, open-door hangars for narrowbody aircraft, and dedicated space for Dash 8 turboprops.
The entry of One MRO Service into Ethiopia’s aviation maintenance landscape is expected to foster healthy competition and potentially lead to expanded service offerings for airlines operating in the region. As these operations expand, the Ethiopian aviation industry anticipates a positive impact on maintenance quality and efficiency.
