(Posted 26th July 2025)
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest aviation group, has unveiled a significant
expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities with the
inauguration of three state-of-the-art facilities: a new Component Maintenance
Workshop, a Central Warehouse, and a 2-Bay General Maintenance Hangar. The new
infrastructure is set to be a game changer in enhancing operational efficiency and
reinforcing Ethiopian’s position as the leading MRO service provider on the continent.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the Ethiopian MRO Services premises in Addis
Ababa on 22 July 2025, and was graced by the presence of Ethiopian Airlines Managment
Board Chairman, Let. Gen. Yilma Merdasa, Ethiopian Airlines Group
CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew, project participants, and Ethiopian Airlines Executives.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines stated, “The
completion of these advanced MRO facilities significantly enhances our technical capability and reinforces our position as a key player on the global stage. With expanded capabilities and cutting- edge systems, we are now better equipped to deliver efficient, high-quality maintenance services for both our growing fleet and third-party operators. As we strengthen our infrastructure, we reaffirm our dedication to supporting Africa’s aviation renaissance and solidifying Ethiopia’s place as a continental hub for world-class aviation services and sustainable growth.”
With a total investment exceeding USD 150 million, and a construction timeline of three
years, the development was executed in partnership with China National Aero-
Technology International Engineering Corporation (CAIEC), China Communications
Construction Company (CCCC), and DAR Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and
Partners) for the construction of the three facilities.
The newly inaugurated facilities mark a significant leap in Ethiopian MRO’s technical
infrastructure and service capability. Ethiopian MRO Services already has over 1200
components in its FAA approved component repair capability list. In addition, the new
Component Maintenance Workshop brings specialized shops for B737 & Q400 main and
nose landing gear repair, ATE, IDG, ACM, as well as ATS Components adding over 170
new components in the existing capability list. This expansion strengthens support for
both the airline’s fleet and the broader aviation community across the continent and
beyond.
The addition of two wide body General Maintenance Hangars brings the total number of
hangars at Ethiopian MRO to eight, significantly increasing capacity for comprehensive
aircraft maintenance.
Meanwhile, the Central Warehouse, with a built-up area of 15,000 m2 and a storage
volume of 25,500 m3, incorporates an advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval System
(ASRS), enhancing the efficiency of spare parts management and supporting smoother
maintenance operations.
