Press Release: 02 April 2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 02 April 2026: The African Airlines Association (AFRAA), in partnership with Ethiopian MRO, EgyptAir Maintenance & Engineering, Kenya Airways MRO, and South African Airways Technical, have successfully concluded the inaugural African MRO Conference, held from 29–31 March 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Hosted by Ethiopian Airlines at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, the landmark event brought together over 450 delegates from over 50 countries, marking a major step forward in shaping a competitive, and sustainable Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem in Africa.
Key Outcomes: From Dialogue to Action
Under the theme “Building Africa’s Sustainable MRO Ecosystem,” the conference delivered clear, actionable outcomes aligned with Africa’s aviation priorities:
- Strong Consensus on Retaining MRO Value Within Africa
Participants reaffirmed the urgent need to reduce dependence on off-continent maintenance, which continues to drive up airline costs and aircraft downtime. Stakeholders emphasized scaling regional capabilities to retain billions of dollars in MRO spend within Africa, while improving fleet efficiency and operational reliability.
- Commitment to Pan-African Collaboration
Airlines, MRO providers, OEMs, and regulators agreed to deepen collaboration through:
- Joint ventures and shared MRO capacity
- Resource pooling for smaller carriers
- Strengthened partnerships across the value chain
- Enhanced engagement with continental bodies and regulators
A key takeaway was that collective action is essential.
- Advancing Regulatory Harmonization
Deliberations highlighted regulatory fragmentation as a major barrier to cross-border MRO operations.
Participants called for:
- Mutual recognition of certifications across African states
- Greater alignment of regulatory frameworks
- Stronger coordination through continental institutions
- Strengthening the partnership between operators and MRO service providers
This is expected to unlock faster turnaround times, lower costs, and increased competitiveness for African MRO providers.
- Accelerating Digital Transformation
The conference underscored the transformative potential of predictive maintenance, artificial intelligence, and big data in improving MRO efficiency.
Key recommendations included:
- Investing in digital infrastructure and data systems
- Strengthening Airline-OEM–MRO collaboration on data access
- Building internal capabilities to adopt predictive maintenance models
- Establishment of a data-sharing governance policy
Delegates noted that digital tools could deliver double-digit improvements in cost efficiency and aircraft availability when effectively deployed.
- Investing in Skills and Human Capital
A strong emphasis was placed on addressing skills shortages and workforce retention challenges across the continent.
Outcomes included calls to:
- Expand aviation training capacity and institutions
- Align curricula with industry needs
- Strengthen partnerships between MROs and training organizations
- Create attractive career pathways for young African talent
Human capital was recognized as the foundation of a sustainable MRO ecosystem.
- Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
Discussions identified parts availability, logistics inefficiencies, and global supply chain disruptions as critical constraints impacting African MRO operations.
Participants agreed on the need to:
- Develop regional supply chain hubs
- Improve procurement collaboration among airlines
- Leverage digital tools for inventory and demand forecasting
- Delivering Tangible Business Outcomes Through the AFRAA Marketplace
The AFRAA B2B Marketplace emerged as a key success factor of the conference, facilitating high-impact engagements between airlines, MROs, OEMs, and service providers.
Pre-arranged meetings enabled stakeholders to:
- Explore maintenance partnerships
- Negotiate service agreements
- Identify cost-saving solutions
- Build long-term commercial relationships
The Marketplace reinforced AFRAA’s commitment to driving measurable industry outcomes beyond dialogue.
Building on Three Pillars for the Future
Across all sessions, a unified framework emerged for advancing Africa’s MRO ecosystem, built on three core pillars:
- Collaboration – strengthening partnerships across the aviation value chain
- Technical Talent – investing in skills development and workforce sustainability
- Digital Technology – leveraging innovation to improve efficiency and competitiveness
Looking Ahead
Closing the conference, AFRAA reaffirmed its commitment to:
- Supporting the development of regional MRO capabilities
- Facilitating industry collaboration and partnerships
- Advocating for policy and regulatory alignment
- Promoting skills development and knowledge transfer
AFRAA will announce the date and venue of the next edition of the African MRO Conference will be held in 2027, continuing the momentum generated in Addis Ababa.
Event Sponsors and Exhibitors
The MRO Conference was sponsored by: Ethiopian Airlines, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Aero Supplies Global and Global Airtech.
20 Exhibitors showcased their solutions, services and products at the event through exhibition. These include: Aero MRO, Aero Supplies Global, Aldis Aviation, Boeing, Cee-Bee
About AFRAA
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) is the leading trade association of African airlines. Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote, serve African Airlines and champion Africa’s aviation industry. The Association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable Air Transport industry in Africa where African Airlines become key players and drivers to African economic development. AFRAA membership cuts across the entire continent and includes all the major intercontinental African operators. The Association members represent over 85% of total international traffic carried by African airlines. Facebook, LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
About Ethiopian MRO
Ethiopian MRO is a world-class aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider with state-of-the-art facilities certified by ECAA, FAA, EASA, and other Civil Aviation Authorities across Africa and beyond. It handles all Ethiopian Airlines fleet maintenance and extends its services to various operators and airlines across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Ethiopian MRO delivers end-to-end solutions, including base, line, component, and engine maintenance, as well as engineering services, with high quality and safety standards. It also offers specialized capabilities such as calibration laboratory services, aircraft structure and composite maintenance, wire harness manufacturing, and modification and upgrading services, making it a one-stop shop for comprehensive MRO solutions. Recent achievements include full strip and paint programs for Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787 fleets, and LEAP-1B PRSV1 capability.
About EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING
EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING is a leading MRO provider in the Middle East and Africa, delivering comprehensive services of line and heavy maintenance, along with aircraft component maintenance including mechanical components, avionics and engine maintenance. A subsidiary of EGYPTAIR Holding Company with a legacy dating back to 1932, the firm leverages state-of-the-art technology to sustain the airworthiness of diverse aircraft types and components.
Partnering with over 150 global airlines beyond the EGYPTAIR fleet, the company holds certifications from major international civil aviation authorities. It provides world-class solutions 24/7/365 to a vast clientele across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
To maintain its competitive edge, EGYPTAIR MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING is actively expanding its regional line maintenance network and upgrading personnel expertise. Through strategic partnerships with renowned global organizations, the company continues to enhance its service scope and technical excellence, ensuring the longevity and safety of its clients’ valuable aviation assets.
About Kenya Airways Engineering & Maintenance (KQ MRO)
Kenya Airways Engineering & Maintenance (KQ MRO) brings decades of proven expertise in delivering world-class aircraft maintenance solutions to airlines across Africa and beyond. Operating from its main base in Nairobi, Kenya, KQ MRO is an approved EASA Part-145 and KCAA-certified organization, offering a comprehensive suite of services including base maintenance, line maintenance, and component support across multiple aircraft platforms.
The organization supports a wide range of capabilities, including heavy airframe checks, avionics and mechanical component repair, non-destructive testing (NDT), and specialised workshop services. As the only Embraer Authorised Service Centre in the region, KQ MRO holds a unique position in supporting E-Jet operators across the continent.
Beyond technical services, KQ MRO provides integrated engineering support, supply chain and logistics solutions, quality assurance, and continuous improvement programmes. With a strong focus on safety, reliability, and turnaround performance, KQ MRO is committed to delivering efficient, customer-centric solutions that meet global aviation standards.
About South African Airways Technical
South African Airways Technical (SAAT) has dedicated the last 90 years to delivering aircraft maintenance services to a diverse range of operators across domestic, regional, and international markets. The company provides major airframe checks, mechanical and avionic component repairs and line maintenance services, amongst others. Based primarily in Johannesburg, South Africa, SAAT also provides line maintenance services at airports within Africa. Its extensive support includes engineering, supply chain management, logistics, quality assurance, aircraft painting, major structural repairs, cabin and related modifications, and a high-quality apprentice and technical training programme.