Big Win for Nigeria: Air Peace to Build Aircraft Maintenance Hub in Lagos, Cut Costs for Airlines
- Air Peace has announced plans to build a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos
- The new project aims to reduce the cost of aircraft maintenance abroad amid a high exchange rate in Nigeria
- Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, disclosed that the new facility will be ready within 12 to 18 months
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
Air Peace has announced plans to commence the construction of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos this September.
The project, which is expected to be completed within 12 to 15 months, is designed to revolutionise aircraft servicing in Nigeria by eliminating the need for airlines to send jets abroad for costly repairs.
Source: UGC
A Partnership with Embraer
Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, disclosed the development on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, after returning from Brazil, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on an official visit.
The trip also featured the signing of a direct air service agreement between Nigeria and Brazil, further expanding bilateral ties.
The MRO will be developed in collaboration with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, one of the world’s leading makers of regional jets.
According to Onyema, the facility will handle the maintenance of Embraer aircraft operated by Air Peace and potentially attract other airlines to Nigeria.
Strengthening Nigeria-Brazil ties
“We are increasing our partnership with Embraer. By September 17, we will inaugurate the construction of our new MRO, and Embraer will handle maintenance for Embraer jets right here in Lagos,” Onyema said.
By localising maintenance, airlines can save significant costs and turnaround time, while Nigeria positions itself as a destination for aviation servicing in West Africa.
Onyema emphasised that Air Peace’s approval to operate the Nigeria-Brazil route was not merely linked to its investment in Embraer but was due to the airline’s proven capacity.
The airline is expected to begin flights to Brazil in the third quarter of 2025, following endorsements from both President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
“In Brazil, they signed several MoUs, but what really impressed me was their partnership approach, one that respects our sovereignty and is mutually beneficial,” Onyema said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, praised President Tinubu’s leadership in securing the air agreement.
Linking Air Peace’s growth to cheaper fares
According to a Punch report, Keyamo stressed that connecting Africa’s biggest economy with South America’s largest was a “strategic move” that could revive bilateral trade, which had slumped from $10 billion a decade ago to $2 billion.
Air Peace has been on an expansion drive, launching new routes and pushing affordability in international travel.
Recently, the airline reduced fares on its London route from Abuja, a move that forced international competitors to review their pricing.
Source: Getty Images
The planned Lagos MRO facility reflects the same vision—lowering operational costs, boosting competitiveness, and ensuring that Nigeria takes a front seat in global aviation.
Analysts say the project will create jobs, deepen technical expertise, and generate new revenue streams for the country.
Air Peace suspends Flight in Lagos
Legit.ng earlier reported that due to the state's local government elections, Nigerian airline Air Peace has said that it will halt all flights into and out of Lagos for 12 hours on Saturday, July 12th.
Inbound and outgoing flights will be suspended from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m., the airline announced in a statement published on X.
The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier told SaharaReporters that on Saturday, July 12, due to the local government elections, there will be no movement in the South-West state.
Source: Legit.ng
