Mr Stephen Arthur, Director-General of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), says overseas aircraft maintenance significantly increases airline costs, driving up passenger airfares adding that the Aero Contractors Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) could service approved commercial aircraft operating across West and Central Africa.
Arthur spoke after touring Aero Contractors AMO facilities in Lagos.
He said ferrying aircraft to Europe or the United States for maintenance raises expenses, which airlines ultimately transfer to passengers.
He expressed delight at the facility’s modern equipment and skilled technical personnel.
“This is unique by all standards. I least expected to see what we witnessed today, especially from this part of the continent,” Arthur said.
He noted that many passengers underestimated how maintenance, repairs and overhauls influence overall airline operating costs.
“If such facilities are unavailable locally, airlines incur extra operational costs, which are eventually translated to the paying passenger,” he said.
According to him, nearby maintenance facilities reduce crew expenses, fuelling costs, navigation charges and aircraft downtime.
He explained that reduced maintenance time allows airlines to save money and improve operational efficiency.
Arthur described the Aero Contractors MRO as a major blessing for Ghana, ECOWAS states and the wider aviation industry.
“It is good news to celebrate, patronise and promote,” he said.
Arthur confirmed Ghana is establishing a national carrier and welcomed Aero Contractors’ existing maintenance presence in Nigeria.
“We should encourage airlines to patronise the facility so it can expand and offer more services,” he said.
Capt. Ado Sanusi, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, recalled that the airline was established in 1959, starting with oil and gas shuttle services.
Sanusi said the company later expanded into scheduled flights and aircraft maintenance operations.
“We were the first to perform C-checks on Boeing 737 Classics in West and Central Africa,” he said.
According to him, the company is seeking EASA and FAA approvals for expanded line and base maintenance services.
Sanusi also disclosed plans for the airline to resume flights to Accra soon.
