Friday, July 25th, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines has made a major step forward by arming the African aviation industry with its most advanced MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facilities by opening a $150 million MRO work on Addis Ababa. The new facility includes a modern aircraft hangar, a furnished aircraft component shop, and a large capacity aircraft parts shop, which went into operation on July 22, 2025.
This is anchor investment under Ethiopia's new Vision 2035 strategic roadmap, calling for more Ethiopia investment to create world-class pan-African aviation.
New facilities added to serve larger local markets
The new aviation facility, built within two years, was developed to manage the national and international growth currents of Ethiopian aviation brand. With the latest technology and automation systems, twin hangers can accommodate new generations of aircraft from airlines. Additionally, component shops and parts shops provide important support to Ethiopian Airlines' growing fleet, with few equipment for new technology aircraft, such as Boeing and Airbus models.
These shops deploy technology that dramatically reduce turnaround times, bring planes back to service and save a lot of money and time to avoid outsourcing aircraft maintenance.
Promoting innovation and economic development
At a launch at Ethiopian Airlines headquarters, senior government officials and leaders of the aviation industry celebrated the development not only as Ethiopian history but as a historic moment throughout the continent. Airline leaders emphasized that their bigger vision is to promote technology transfer, skills development and sustainable economic development through more employment and modern infrastructure.
This investment continues closely with Ethiopia's national development aspirations, particularly in the areas of aviation, logistics and industrial capacity building. It is also aligned with the African Union's larger goal of promoting connectivity and industrial self-sufficiency within Africa.
Why it's more clear in Vision 2035: A game plan made for Pan African excellence
“This is a game-changing step and we are proud of our indicators of paradigm shift in the aviation industry in Africa,” said Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group. Vision 2035 is doubling the airline's passenger and freight destinations, group companies, strategically developing the domestic market, creating new and profitable route opportunities, developing Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and developing it as a hub that follows ICAO standards and industry best practices.
“The 372 Ethiopians have the ability to serve their own aircraft and tackle aircraft in other African and non-African countries,” Siferro said. Ethiopia's MRO helps to enhance Ethiopia's role in the global aviation industry.
Skill development and workforce empowerment
To support infrastructure development, Ethiopian Airlines is also expanding its training services and the Ethiopian Airlines Academy. With its aim to train thousands of engineers, engineers and airline professionals over the next decade, the academy will serve as a major recruiting source for the labor pool, which is responsible for maintaining the airline's technical operations.
This focus on human capital ensures long-term sustainability in an industry facing a chronic shortage of international maintenance personnel and aircraft engineers.
Increase regional competitiveness in aviation
It remains a harsh environment in Africa's red wings, from underinvestment to overreliance on foreign MRO partners. Ethiopian Airlines' initiative will destroy this trend by developing internal capabilities to strengthen the continent's aviation sovereignty.
The new maintenance centre has released African airlines from their operational dependency positions, making Addis Ababa an affordable, economically advanced destination for regional airlines that need high-quality MRO solutions.
