United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has partnered with Cronos Aviation to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, aimed at significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian airlines. The agreement, signed in Lagos, also includes interline and codeshare provisions, expanding UNA’s reach to Central and West Africa.
According to UNA Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the lack of a major MRO facility in Nigeria has forced airlines to incur high costs by outsourcing maintenance abroad. Establishing this MRO locally will help alleviate flight delays due to Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situations, reduce capital flight, and conserve foreign exchange. Additionally, the facility is expected to train Nigerian personnel, transfer technology, and provide vital support for the airline industry.
Cronos Aviation CEO Andreas Kaiafas emphasized the importance of addressing regional maintenance needs, noting that the facility will service not only Nigerian airlines but also other regional carriers, optimizing logistics and reducing transit times. With plans to also enhance UNA’s fleet, the new facility is poised to support the broader West and Central African aviation market.
