Air Peace Opens 50,000 Job Opportunities as it Begins Construction of Aircraft Maintenance Facility
- Air Peace has commenced the building of its aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility (MRO) in Lagos
- The new facility promises to create 50,000 jobs for Nigerians and save the country billions in foreign exchange
- The development comes as the airline announced a reciprocal 1,000 openings in its 2025/2026 Internship Programme
Pascal Oparada, a reporter for Legit.ng, has over ten years of experience covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy.
Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s biggest airline, has commenced construction of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The project, described as the largest of its kind in Africa, is set to transform Nigeria’s aviation sector, drastically reduce capital flight, and position the country as a regional hub for aircraft maintenance.
Source: UGC
Onyema: “A dream eight years in the making”
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on a 34,000-square-metre site, with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in attendance alongside senior executives from the Bank of Industry, Fidelity Bank, regulators, and industry stakeholders.
Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, said the project was the result of nearly a decade of resilience.
Onyema said. “In less than one year, they made it possible for us to stand here today. This is history.”
Onyema stressed that Nigerian airlines spent more than $180 billion last year on overseas maintenance and spare parts. “This MRO will change that narrative.
It will serve not only Air Peace but also other Nigerian and international airlines,” he explained.
Project details and economic impact
According to contractors Morgan Omonitan & Abe, the facility will span 32,000 sqm, featuring a 6,200 sqm hangar, a 2,000 sqm warehouse, a 2,600 sqm workshop, a 1,500 sqm office block, and a 10,000 sqm aircraft parking apron.
Additional infrastructure, such as car parks, utility buildings, and landscaped grounds, will cover another 9,700 sqm.
Backed by technical support from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, the MRO will create more than 50,000 direct and indirect jobs, nurture new engineers and technicians, and significantly reduce capital outflows.
Banks and government backing
Fidelity Bank and the Bank of Industry Representatives praised the project as a model partnership.
According to reports, Ifeoma Uz’okpala of the Bank of Industry described it as “true collaboration,” while Fidelity Bank’s Executive Director, Abolore Solebo, said the airline’s vision inspired the bank to create Nigeria’s first aviation desk.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo called the project a “national treasure,” noting that it would save the country billions in foreign exchange and attract international airlines to Nigeria.
A hub to rival Africa’s best
The Lagos MRO will accommodate a Boeing 777 alongside five smaller aircraft, surpassing existing facilities in South Africa and Ethiopia. Onyema said the project represents “a revolution” and a declaration that “Nigeria is ready to take its place on the global aviation stage.”
Driving youth empowerment
Air Peace has long championed job creation and youth empowerment through initiatives like its Graduate Trainee Programme.
Recently, it also announced 1,000 openings under its 2025/2026 Internship Programme.
With the MRO facility underway, the airline has reaffirmed its role as a key driver of national development, promising thousands of opportunities for young Nigerians and skilled professionals alike.
Source: Getty Images
Air Peace slashes London fares below British Airways
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has slashed its economy class tickets on the Abuja-London route.
The airline slashed its Abuja to Heathrow fares to N448,500 as it prepares to launch its maiden flight to the UK’s busiest airport on October 25, 2025.
Checks on the airline’s website showed that the cheapest ticket for economy class for November 9, 2025, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to London Heathrow Airport is now N448,500.
Source: Legit.ng
