Two firms partner to provide aircraft maintenance solutions in Lagos
International aircraft engine, avionics, and aviation product manufacturer Honeywell Aerospace has partnered with ExecuJet Nigeria Free Trade Enterprises, a Fixed-Base Operator and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Lagos, for avionics and engine installations on aircraft.
On Thursday, both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking their first business collaboration in the aviation sector.
According to the MoU, ExecuJet Nigeria Free Trade Enterprises has been appointed as the authorised business and general aviation mechanical centre for avionics and engine installations for Honeywell in the country.
One of Nigeria’s longstanding aviation challenges has been the inability of operators to carry out major maintenance and purchase aircraft parts domestically, leading to high operational costs that have contributed to rising airfares.
However, after Nigeria signed the Cape Town Convention last year and engaged financiers, aircraft lessors, and other stakeholders in Dublin in January 2025, the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, pledged accelerated growth for the industry. He noted that the government had successfully restored international stakeholders’ confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Speaking at the MoU signing in Lagos, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Quits Aviation Free Trade Zone, the operators and hosts of the ExecuJet facility in Nigeria, Sam Iwuajoku, described the partnership as a game-changer for the aviation sector.
He highlighted that Honeywell’s products are installed in over 80 per cent of aircraft operating in Nigeria, including commercial, defence, and space aircraft.
Iwuajoku further explained that Honeywell, which manufactures aircraft engines such as the T55 engine, helps pilots save fuel and enhance safety.
Expressing enthusiasm about the partnership, he emphasised its benefits for Nigeria’s aviation industry, stating that operators will no longer need to travel abroad for parts, modifications, upgrades, or maintenance of engines and avionics.
“I am very happy about this partnership. We will learn a lot from Honeywell’s technology and create employment for our local people. It will also solve some of our industry’s challenges, particularly by eliminating the need to travel overseas for these engines and other components.
“From screens and flight management systems to control display units and internet connectivity hardware, all these solutions will now be available in Nigeria, whereas they were previously inaccessible here. We will also continue to support Honeywell going forward,” Iwuajoku said.
He noted that Honeywell offers a broad range of aviation products and described it as a privilege to introduce these innovations to the region, particularly Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Honeywell representative Ivo Heger expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that it would be mutually beneficial for both companies and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Discussing Honeywell’s products, Heger said: “First of all, there’s the 731 series engine. Then the APUs—the 36-100 and 36-150. These are auxiliary power units used on the ground before an aircraft takes off, allowing the cabin to be cooled, avionics to run, and engines to start.
“We also provide full cockpit suites, aircraft instrumentation for display screens, control units, connectivity solutions for safety services, cockpit data links, and instruments for weather downloads in the cockpit. Our product range for business and geo-location aviation is extensive.”
Heger added that discussions on the agreement with ExecuJet Nigeria had been ongoing for some time but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During COVID, everything slowed down from Honeywell’s standpoint and across the general aviation sector. But now, we have reached an agreement where all parties are satisfied, and we are excited for this partnership,” he said.
