Ethiopian Airlines has built three new hangars that will provide paint and maintenance services for various wide-body aircraft.

Planned to be unveiled during the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Symposium in Ethiopia, the hangers can accommodate the B747-800, Boeing’s largest plane, at one time or various aircraft in different arrangements.

One of the three facilities can house other Boeing aircraft such as B777-200 or B737.

The facilities feature teleplatforms, tail docks, and a full paint and general maintenance hangar.

They also have 15,000m² in backside office space, various shops, and a 105,000m² hangar apron area.

"Completion of these maintenance hangars will surely enhance our capability to cope up with the 21st century new aviation developments and offer third-party services.”

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Tewolde GebreMariam said: “Foundational Infrastructure development is one of the four pillars of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth strategic roadmap, Vision 2025.

“Hence, to further complement our steady growth and attain our goal in remaining to be the leading MRO service provider in Africa, we have been making massive infrastructure development projects to modernise and expand existing MRO facilities at a total cost of $115m.

“Beyond ensuring self-sufficiency, completion of these maintenance hangars will surely enhance our capability to cope up with the 21st century new aviation developments and offer third-party services.”

The group currently offers complete total care maintenance service to ASKY, Malawian, RwandAir, Congo Airways, Ceiba Intercontinental, CamAir and Jambojet Airlines.

AVIC International and EXIM Bank of China are also involved in the Ethiopian Airlines new hanger project.

Image: Ethiopian Airlines’ new hangar. Photo: courtesy of Ethiopian Airlines.