Air Peace Announces Plans to Build Aircraft Maintenance Facility in Lagos
- Aviation
- August 28, 2025
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Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has unveiled plans to begin construction of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos this September. The project, developed in partnership with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, is expected to be completed within 12 to 15 months and will significantly enhance Nigeria’s aviation maintenance capabilities.
Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema confirmed the development on Wednesday upon returning from Brazil, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The trip included the signing of a direct air service agreement between Nigeria and Brazil.
“We are deepening our partnership with Embraer. On September 17, we will inaugurate the construction of our new MRO facility here in Lagos, where Embraer will provide maintenance services for their aircraft,” Onyema stated. “This facility will eliminate the need to fly Embraer jets overseas for repairs, reducing both cost and downtime, while also attracting maintenance operations from other airlines.”
Onyema emphasized that Air Peace’s selection to operate the Nigeria-Brazil route was based on its demonstrated capacity and readiness, not solely its investment in Embraer aircraft. The new route is slated to launch in the third quarter of 2025.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, praised the Tinubu administration’s role in facilitating the agreement. He highlighted the strategic importance of connecting Africa’s largest economy with South America’s, noting that bilateral trade between Nigeria and Brazil had declined from $10 billion to $2 billion over the past decade.
“This air link is a crucial step toward reversing that trend and fostering stronger economic and cultural exchanges,” Keyamo said.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to mutual growth and sovereignty, with Onyema noting the respectful and collaborative approach taken by both nations during negotiations.
