Major MRO expansion: Ethiopian Airlines inaugurates $150m MRO development
Ethiopian Airlines – Africa’s largest aviation group – expects to complete the construction of its three new facilities within the next three years.
The expansion of Ethiopian Airlines’ Maintenance, Repair…
July 28, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines – Africa’s largest aviation group – expects to complete the construction of its three new facilities within the next three years.
The expansion of Ethiopian Airlines’ Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities includes the construction of three facilities. These include a new component maintenance workshop, a central warehouse and a two-bay general maintenance hangar.
“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. The group is also in the process of developing a new mega-hub airport just outside the Ethiopian capital of Addis to alleviate pressure on Bole Airport, which is expected to reach its 25 million passenger capacity limit soon.
“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,” he continued.
Chinese and Lebanese collaboration
The development of the three facilities is being carried out in collaboration with China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation (CAIEC), China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), and Beirut-headquartered DAR Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners).
The $150 million investment also underlines Ethiopian Airlines’ ambition to become a pan-African hub for aircraft maintenance. The group’s entire MRO operation is backed by both FAA and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications.
“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,” added Tasew.
Why Ethiopian’s MRO expansion is a game changer in enhancing operational efficiency?
Ethiopian’s MRO services division already have over 1,200 components in its Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved component repair capability. The new Component Maintenance Workshop will bring specialised shops for B737 and Q400 main and nose landing gear repair. In total over 170 new components will be added to the existing capability list. This includes Air Cycle Machines (ACM), Integrated Drive Generators (IDG), Avionics Text Equipment (ATE) and Aircraft Tracking Systems (ATS) components.
Meanwhile, the addition of a two-bay general maintenance hangar will increase the total hangar count to eight, enhancing capacity for both line and base maintenance – including services for widebody aircraft.
With a 25,500m2 storage capacity, the 15,000m2 central warehouse is a standout feature of the expansion. It will incorporate an advanced Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), enhancing the efficiency of spare parts management and supporting smoother maintenance operations.
African aviation success story
Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international destinations, Ethiopian Airlines is frequently recognised as an African aviation success story. A Star Alliance member airline it frequently covets awards including Skytrax’s Best Airline in Africa Award, which it has won for eight consecutive years. As part of its ‘Vision 2035’ strategy the airline group aims to become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world.
The airline currently operates a fleet of over 140 aircraft, including Boeings 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400 types.
