Ethiopian Airlines marked a major milestone on July 22, 2025, by opening three new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at its Addis Ababa headquarters. This expansion, one of Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure projects this year, aims to boost the airline’s technical strength and support its growing fleet.
The new facilities include a Component Maintenance Workshop, a Central Warehouse, and a 2-Bay General Maintenance Hangar. The workshop now handles over 1,200 components, including Boeing 737 and Bombardier Q400 landing gear and avionics, thanks to more than 170 new items added to its repair list. The Central Warehouse, covering 15,000 m², uses an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) to manage spare parts efficiently. The new hangar brings the total number at Ethiopian Airlines’ MRO to eight, allowing for more wide-body aircraft maintenance.
Ethiopian Airlines invested over USD 150 million in this project, completed in just three years. Key partners included China National Aero-Technology International Engineering Corporation, China Communications Construction Company, and DAR Al-Handasah Consultants. This expansion is central to the airline’s Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to make Addis Ababa a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “These new facilities significantly enhance our technical capability and reinforce our position as a key player on the global stage.” He added that Ethiopian Airlines can now deliver “efficient, high-quality maintenance services for both our growing fleet and third-party operators.” Management Board Chairman Let. Gen. Yilma Merdasa also attended the opening, highlighting its national importance.
Operational benefits are immediate. The ASRS warehouse and expanded workshop mean faster turnaround times, better spare parts availability, and improved reliability for both Ethiopian Airlines and other airlines using its services. Industry experts believe this move will increase competition in Africa’s MRO sector, as other airlines may now invest more in their own facilities or seek new partnerships.
The expansion is also expected to create jobs and develop skills in Ethiopia’s aviation sector, supporting both national and regional economies. By attracting more third-party maintenance contracts from airlines across Africa and the Middle East, Ethiopian Airlines strengthens Addis Ababa’s role as a regional aviation center.
For airlines interested in using these MRO capabilities, Ethiopian Airlines provides contact details on its official website, by email at [email protected], or by phone at +251-11-517-8913 / 8165 / 8907.
Ethiopian Airlines has steadily grown its MRO capabilities over the past decade. This latest expansion is its largest investment yet, showing the airline’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for high-quality maintenance in Africa. Aviation analysts note that these new facilities will help reduce the need for African airlines to send aircraft overseas for heavy maintenance, saving time and money.
Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines plans to use its expanded MRO capabilities to win more third-party contracts, especially from African and Middle Eastern carriers. The Vision 2035 strategy also includes more investment in technical training and digital tools for maintenance.
For more on aviation regulations and industry standards, readers can visit the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments position Ethiopian Airlines and Addis Ababa as leaders in African aviation, with benefits for airlines, workers, and the region’s economy.
Learn Today
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) → Services involving aircraft upkeep to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
Component Maintenance Workshop → Facility specialized in repairing and overhauling aircraft parts and components.
Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) → Robotic system managing inventory efficiently to speed up spare parts handling.
Wide-body aircraft → Large aircraft with two aisles used for long-haul flights and significant passenger capacity.
Vision 2035 → Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term strategic plan to develop Addis Ababa as a leading African aviation hub.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 22, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its MRO facilities in Addis Ababa, investing USD 150 million. This upgrade enhances maintenance for 1,200+ components, offers faster service, and strengthens Africa’s aviation sector under Vision 2035. The expansion also fosters local skills and regional economic growth.
— By VisaVerge.com
