Nigeria’s Aero Contractors, has received certification from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to handle C-checks on Boeing 737-300, Boeing 737-400 and Boeing 737-500 aircraft.

According to media report, the Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, made this known while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.

Sanusi said the NCAA approval which took effect from 2 September, 2017 was given to the Aero Contractors’ Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

”The fact that C-check on the Boeing 737 Classic can now be performed in Nigeria by Aero Contractors will reflect directly in significant drop in maintenance cost for airlines in Nigeria and the sub-region as well as reduction in downtime for such checks.” said Sanusi.

According to Sanusi, Aerocontractors Airline spent N60 million to renovate and expand the MRO facility which had been in existence for over 50 years in order to meet the required local and international standards.

The airline has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with international partners, including the maintenance unit of Ethiopian Airlines and South African Technik, to render assistance on the C-checks.

A normal C-check cost between $1.8 million to $2 million outside Nigeria. Performing it in Nigeria would reduce the demand for foreign exchange as airlines could now pay in Naira.

Nigeria's domestic airlines including Aerocontractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, Medview Airlines and Air Azman operate mostly Boeing 737 aircraft about 22 of which are Boeing 737 Classics.