Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced a major expansion of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, unveiling three cutting-edge facilities that significantly boost the airline’s technical capacity and position it as a continental and global leader in aviation services.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ethiopian MRO Services complex in Addis Ababa, was attended by key dignitaries including Ethiopian Airlines Management Board Chairman Yilma Merdasa and Group CEO Mesfin Tasew.
The newly launched infrastructure includes;
· A Component Maintenance Workshop,
· A Central Warehouse, and
· A 2-Bay Widebody General Maintenance Hangar.
This development marks a transformative milestone for the airline’s operational efficiency and strategic vision to become Africa’s premier aviation hub.
“The completion of these advanced MRO facilities significantly enhances our technical capability and reinforces our position as a key player on the global stage,” said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “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.”
Tasew added, “As we strengthen our infrastructure, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting Africa’s aviation renaissance and solidifying Ethiopia’s role as a continental hub for world-class aviation services and sustainable growth.”
A $150 Million Investment in Aviation Excellence
Developed over a span of three years at a cost exceeding USD 150 million, the project was executed in collaboration with international partners:
· China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (CAIEC)
· China Communications Construction Company (CCCC)
· DAR Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners)
These facilities are poised to elevate Ethiopian Airlines’ MRO capabilities to new heights.
The Component Maintenance Workshop introduces new specialized capabilities including maintenance for B737 and Q400 main and nose landing gears, as well as advanced testing and repair for systems such as ATE, IDG, ACM, and ATS components. This upgrade adds over 170 new components to the airline’s already FAA-approved component repair capability list, which includes more than 1,200 items.
The 2-Bay General Maintenance Hangar, dedicated to widebody aircraft, expands Ethiopian MRO’s total hangar capacity to eight, greatly enhancing its ability to service multiple aircraft simultaneously.
The Central Warehouse, spanning 15,000 m² with a storage volume of 25,500 m³, features a sophisticated Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). This innovation improves inventory management, shortens turnaround times, and supports smoother maintenance workflows.
Strengthening Africa’s Aviation Backbone
This expansion underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ long-standing commitment to advancing aviation on the continent. As one of the few African carriers with robust in-house MRO capabilities, the airline continues to lead by example in investing in infrastructure, talent, and technology.
With these new additions, Ethiopian MRO Services is better positioned to serve not only its own expanding fleet but also third-party airlines across Africa and beyond—reinforcing its role as a regional aviation powerhouse.
