United Nigeria Airline Partners with Cronos Aviation to Establish MRO Facility and Expand Fleet
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cronos Aviation, an international charter airline, to establish a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. This partnership aims to create a state-of-the-art facility that will service UNA’s fleet and provide maintenance for aircraft from other airlines. The chairman of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, emphasized that the new MRO would reduce aircraft maintenance turnaround times and eliminate costly maintenance delays, ultimately saving on operational costs and foreign exchange.
The collaboration with Cronos, which has a well-established MRO operation in South Africa, will not only enhance UNA’s capabilities but also facilitate technology transfer and training for local personnel. Okonkwo highlighted that the lack of MRO facilities in Nigeria has forced airlines to incur high maintenance costs abroad, contributing to financial strain. With this initiative, UNA aims to develop local expertise while improving the aviation industry’s overall efficiency in Nigeria.
In addition to the MRO project, UNA plans to expand its fleet by acquiring six Embraer 190 aircraft in the coming months. The airline is committed to comprehensive training for its crew, including obtaining European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, which would enhance operational standards and safety. Okonkwo reassured that the current scarcity of operational aircraft would not compromise safety, as Nigerian operators adhere to strict regulations and responsible
