Enhancing Maintenance Capabilities And Training For Superior Service
Addis Ababa/Farnborough, July 23, 2024 – In a groundbreaking move set to transform regional aviation, Ethiopian MRO Services, a premier maintenance and training provider under the Ethiopian Airlines Group, has signed a Letter of Intent with ATR, the leading regional aircraft manufacturer. This strategic partnership aims to develop Ethiopian MRO Services’ ATR aircraft maintenance and training capabilities, significantly expanding ATR’s presence in Africa and the Middle East.
This collaboration will bolster Ethiopian MRO Services’ maintenance capabilities for ATR aircraft types and establish a local spares stock, reducing response times for ATR operators in the region. Furthermore, the agreement explores collaborative ways to train new ATR pilots through Ethiopian Aviation University, renowned for its cutting-edge aviation training programs.
Ethiopian MRO Services stands out with its extensive aircraft maintenance and repair capabilities, an international network for seamless spare parts delivery, multiple hubs across the continent, and a leading aviation training university. It is well-positioned to cater to the needs of 36 airlines operating 131 ATR aircraft across Africa and the Middle East.
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “This alliance aligns with our vision to become a leading aviation reference for Africa and the Middle East. By sharing our expertise, we aim to benefit the entire regional aviation community. This collaboration reinforces Ethiopia’s positioning as a key hub, and ATR’s decision to leverage our capabilities underscores the recognition we have earned.”
Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the benefits of this partnership: “Ethiopian MRO’s significant investments in expanding their facilities, coupled with their dedication to developing their capabilities, present a timely opportunity for ATR. This cooperation will enhance support to our African and Middle Eastern operators, boosting regional aviation and unlocking further growth potential. Our operators will enjoy improved service quality, lower maintenance costs, reduced downtimes, and lower emissions through the support of an experienced partner.”
While parts of Africa and the Middle East boast flourishing regional aviation networks, the region remains under-connected. Currently, 67% of routes under 500NM are operated once daily or less, representing only 11% of seats. Most traffic is concentrated on well-served trunk routes, with declining connectivity from secondary cities. Turboprops, known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness, offer a solution for enhancing domestic and subregional connectivity without the need for expensive and environmentally disruptive ground infrastructure.
ATR aircraft, with their unmatched versatility, fuel efficiency, and low operating costs, are ideal for meeting the region’s growing connectivity needs. As part of its strategy to empower customer satisfaction and regional expertise, ATR established a Regional Field Service Representative in Ethiopia at the end of 2023 to enhance customer intimacy and satisfaction. This strategic partnership between Ethiopian MRO Services and ATR promises to revolutionize regional aviation in Africa and the Middle East. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, they are set to provide superior support to local operators, fostering market growth and enhancing regional connectivity. Ethiopian Airlines continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in aviation, offering unparalleled service and expertise to its customers. Fly with Ethiopian Airlines to experience the future of regional aviation.
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Ethiopian Airlines Group (Ethiopian) is the fastest-growing airlines brand globally and the continent’s largest airline brand. In its seventy-seven years of successful operations, Ethiopian, the fastest growing airline, has become one of the continent’s leading carriers, unrivalled in efficiency and operational success. In addition to its main hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, it is also pursuing its multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé, Togo with ASKY, in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of ultra-modern and environmentally friendly aircraft such as Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and Bombardier Dash 8-400 double cabin with an average fleet age of seven years. In fact, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to own and operate most of these aircraft. Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan called Vision 2035 that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world by providing safe, secured, market driven and customer focused Passenger and Cargo Transport and Logistics, Aviation Training, Airport Management and Ground Services, MRO and Aerospace Manufacturing and Travel and Tourism Services. As a multi-award-winning airline, Ethiopian has been the champion in various coveted awards including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for six consecutive years among others. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2011 and has been registering more than threefold growth in the past 10 years. For more at: www.ethiopianairlines.com
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