Addis Ababa: Ethiopian Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Services, the strategic business unit of Ethiopian Airlines, is ready to cooperate with fellow African Airlines and manufacturers, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said. African Aviation MRO and Aviation Training Conference and Exhibition is underway in Addis Ababa under the theme of 'Strengthening Africa's MRO and Training capacity for the future.' MRO Africa and Aviation Training Conference and Exhibition brings African Airlines, MRO Service providers, original equipment manufacturers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders together every year to discuss common issues related to MRO services. Speaking at occasion, Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew said this event would be important for African airlines to meet with manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in one place, to address their issues and develop relationships. It provides the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, share experiences, learn about industry trends, and en gage in dialogues about future directions. Thus, the CEO noted that recognizing the necessity of effective MRO services for the smooth operation and success of an airline, Ethiopian Airlines operates a modern MRO facility at its hub in Addis Ababa, established in 1957, and developed over the years. In addition to supporting Ethiopian Airlines, this facility is providing different MRO services to other airlines both in Africa and the Middle East, he elaborated. The services include airframe, engine and component maintenance, engineering and material services. 'We are investing a lot of money to further expand our MRO facilities and capabilities to meet the needs of our growing operation and cater for the needs of other airlines in the region.' Moreover, Mesfin said at this time, we are building two more hangars, a modern component maintenance complex, and a state-of-the-art aircraft parts warehouse here at our base, which are all expected to be completed by the end of 2024. 'We understand every airline c annot do this since it needs economies of scale. However, there is a big opportunity for cooperation among African Airlines, manufacturers, suppliers and other stakeholders to avail the service in Africa at reasonable costs,' he underlined. 'Let us open up our minds and work towards more cooperation both at operational and strategic levels.' He reaffirmed that Ethiopian MRO Services, the strategic business unit of Ethiopian Airlines Group, is ready to cooperate with fellow African Airlines and manufacturers in this respect. State Minister of Transport and Logistics, Denge Boru said Ethiopia is committed to fostering the growth and development of the aviation industry, not only in Ethiopia, but across the African continent. 'We recognize the vital role that maintenance and overhaul play in ensuring the safe, reliability and protection of air travel, as we are dedicated to supporting initiatives that address these critical conditions.' He stressed that as key aspects of aviation safety, and excellent the M RO division requires different channels and innovations. The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé said on his part Africa needs safe, secure efficient and economically viable air transport to support integrated economic development. The number of aircraft operated on the African continent in the next 10 years is estimated to reach 1,429 units as the result of a growth rate of 2.3 percent per year from 2024-34. To operate more aircrafts, it will be critical to facilitate the access to aircraft financing for airlines and to develop MRO capacities across the continent, he elaborated. Finally, he called African Airlines, MROs, and African Aviation Training Organizations to cooperate better to create the needed environment for sustainable the future growth of African Air Transport market. Source: Ethiopian News Agency