ATR and Ethiopian MRO Sign LoI to Boost ATR Maintenance Capabilities in the Region

Farnborough Airshow, July 23, 2024 – ATR and Ethiopian MRO, a subsidiary of Ethiopian Airlines Group, have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to enhance ATR aircraft maintenance and training capabilities in Africa.

The partnership will involve Ethiopian MRO developing the expertise to maintain ATR aircraft, establishing a local spare parts stock to reduce response time for ATR operators in the region, and collaborating on pilot training programs with the Ethiopian pilot academy.

ATR stated that this strategic move aims to improve service delivery for the 36 airlines operating 131 ATR aircraftacross Africa and the Middle East.

“We aim to share our expertise and benefit the entire African and Middle Eastern aviation community,” said Mesfin Tasew Bekele, Ethiopian Airlines GCEO. “The fact that an established OEM such as ATR approaches us to leverage our capabilities for their fleet and operators is a testament to the recognition we have earned.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, ATR CEO, commented: “Our operators will benefit from an improved quality of service, lower maintenance costs, reduced downtimes and lower emissions through the support of an experienced partner close to their needs.”

To further strengthen its presence in the region, ATR appointed a Regional Field Service Representative in Ethiopia late last year.