Sanusi: Aero Contractors Will Increase Maintenance Capabilities

Captain Ado Sanusi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors Limited, recently addressed the media during a ceremony celebrating the airline's 67 years in the aviation sector. Speaking about the government's intervention in the industry, Sanusi emphasized that while policies and infrastructure have been important, specific challenges within the aviation sector must be addressed.

He noted that over 100 airlines have closed in Nigeria since the industry's inception, a concerning statistic that requires immediate attention.

Sanusi outlined several areas in which Aero Contractors plans to improve. The airline intends to increase its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities by acquiring equipment and tooling, with the goal of establishing an Embraer center for maintenance. Additionally, they plan to enhance their training facilities, opening a new center soon. These developments aim to make Aero Contractors a reliable service provider for maintenance needs across various airlines, both domestic and international.

Currently, Aero Contractors provides maintenance services for airlines in several countries, including Spain, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Royal Air Maroc, Senegal, Mali, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Republic of Congo. Sanusi highlighted that in the nine years since their expansion into international MRO, they have made significant strides.

They are also training engineers for the Boeing 787 and aiming to become an Embraer service center, positioning themselves to cater to the evolving needs of the industry as older aircraft types become less common.

While many airlines are reducing routes to focus on profitable options in times of crisis, Sanusi revealed that Aero Contractors plans to expand its operations. The airline sees opportunities in crisis periods and is strategically choosing the right equipment, timing, and pricing to remain profitable and competitive.