AIRCRAFT manufacturers are shifting their income model from primarily selling airplanes to airlines, diversifying into technical support, maintenance services, and workforce training, thereby creating new revenue streams and helping airlines lower costs.
This initiative by Boeing in Nigeria aims to enhance its presence in Africa’s aviation market through advanced technical training for local airline engineers.
The programme, running from June 16 to July 29, is training 16 engineers from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet on Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft systems. Upon completion, they will receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) theoretical certificates, with an additional training session expected later this year.
Manufacturers are extending their relationship with airlines by investing in maintenance support, technical training, and engineering services throughout the aircraft’s operating life. This approach creates recurring income for manufacturers and aids airlines in enhancing fleet reliability and minimizing costly downtime.
The Nigerian programme, established under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between Boeing and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, focuses on technical collaboration, engineering training, operational support, and advisory services to enhance the aviation industry in Nigeria.
As part of the programme, Boeing will provide field service support for Boeing 737 aircraft to Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air, United Nigeria Airlines, and ValueJet, along with deploying flight operations specialists to assist these airlines in the region.
In Nigeria, airlines face high operational costs due to the need to send engineers abroad for specialized training and technical support in aircraft maintenance. Developing local technical capacity could minimize these expenses and expedite the return of aircraft to service post-maintenance.
Omololu Majekodunmi, managing director of ValueJet, stated that conducting the training in Nigeria has enabled airlines to save foreign exchange that would otherwise have been used abroad.
He advocated for a Boeing flight simulator in Nigeria to decrease training costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Industry expansion plans are driving a higher demand for technical expertise.
Nigerian airlines like Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and ValueJet have increased their fleets, targeting domestic and regional routes. This expansion has led to a heightened demand for qualified engineers, maintenance support, and technical services.
Aircraft sales are cyclical, prompting manufacturers to focus on maintenance and support services for stable long-term revenue. This trend offers Nigeria a strategic opportunity to develop local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, enhance engineering expertise, and provide specialized aviation training, thereby reducing foreign exchange outflows and improving operational efficiency for local carriers.