For decades, aircraft manufacturers generated most of their income from selling airplanes to airlines. The model is changing as companies expand into technical support, maintenance services and workforce training, creating new revenue streams while helping airlines reduce costs.
This is becoming more visible in Nigeria following Boeing’s advanced technical training programme for local airline engineers in Lagos, an initiative that forms part of the company’s broader effort to expand its presence in one of Africa’s largest aviation markets.
The programme, which began on June 16 and runs until July 29, is training 16 engineers from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet on Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft systems. The engineers will receive European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) theoretical certificates after completing the course, while another batch is expected later this year.Â
Rather than ending their relationship once an aircraft is delivered, manufacturers are investing in maintenance support, technical training and engineering services that continue throughout the aircraft’s operating life. These services generate recurring income for manufacturers while helping airlines improve fleet reliability and reduce costly aircraft downtime.
The Nigerian programme is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between Boeing and the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The agreement covers technical collaboration, engineering training, operational support and advisory services aimed at developing Nigeria’s aviation industry.Â
As part of the arrangement, Boeing will provide field service support for Boeing 737 aircraft operated by Air Peace, Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet. The company will also deploy flight operations specialists to support airlines operating the aircraft across the region.
In Nigerian airlines, the business value extends beyond training. Aircraft maintenance has traditionally required airlines to send engineers overseas for specialized courses or technical support, increasing foreign exchange spending and operational costs. Building technical capacity locally could reduce those expenses while allowing airlines to return aircraft to service more quickly after maintenance.
Omololu Majekodunmi, ValueJet managing director, said holding the training in Nigeria has already helped airlines save foreign exchange that would otherwise have been spent abroad.Â
He also called for the establishment of a Boeing flight simulator in Nigeria, saying it would further reduce training costs and strengthen operational efficiency.
Industry expansion plans are also increasing demand for technical expertise.Â
Nigerian carriers, including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet, have expanded their fleets in recent years as they seek opportunities on domestic and regional routes. As airlines add more aircraft, demand for qualified engineers, maintenance support and technical services also rises.
While aircraft sales remain cyclical, manufacturers are increasingly relying on maintenance and support services to generate predictable long-term revenue streams that are less exposed to changes in airline capital spending.
The trend also presents a strategic opportunity for Nigeria. Developing local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, engineering expertise and specialised aviation training could reduce foreign exchange outflows, deepen the domestic aviation value chain and improve operational efficiency for local carriers.
