Flybird Takes Off in Aircraft Maintenance Arena with NCAA AMO Certification
In a strategic leap that strengthens Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and signals rising confidence in indigenous capabilities, Flybird Aircraft Management Services Ltd. has secured the coveted Approved Maintenance Organisation (AMO) certification from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This development is not just a technical milestone—it is a statement of intent from a fast-growing player aiming to become a formidable force in West Africa’s business aviation and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) landscape.
Building a Homegrown Aviation Services Powerhouse
Confirming the approval, Flybird’s CEO, Capt. Ahmed Borodo, described the certification as a “strategic milestone” that supports the company’s ambition to build a comprehensive aviation services platform. With this NCAA recognition, Flybird is now officially empowered to carry out aircraft maintenance in accordance with both national regulations and international aviation safety standards.
“This certification boosts our capacity to deliver full MRO solutions to our own fleet and to third-party clients,” Borodo said, highlighting faster turnaround times and greater operational efficiency through in-house technical expertise.
The AMO status is especially significant in an aviation landscape where most operators still rely heavily on foreign MRO services, leading to high capital flight, longer aircraft downtimes, and limited technical sovereignty.
Implications for Nigeria’s Aviation Ecosystem
This certification comes at a time when Nigeria is under pressure to deepen its aviation infrastructure and capabilities. Despite being one of Africa’s largest aviation markets, the country continues to lag behind in local MRO capacity—an issue that hampers cost control, fleet efficiency, and investor confidence.
Flybird’s move not only reduces reliance on foreign maintenance providers but also aligns with the Nigerian government’s strategic aviation roadmap, which emphasises capacity building, local content, and safety excellence. This development will likely boost investor sentiment and attract high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients seeking reliable, locally managed business aviation solutions.
Flybird’s dual status—having secured both an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for non-scheduled flights earlier in 2024 and now an AMO certificate—positions it as a fully integrated business aviation service provider. This makes it one of the few Nigerian operators with such operational versatility and regulatory endorsement.
Raising the Bar for Technical Excellence
Paulina Ogbaji, Flybird’s Line and Base Maintenance Manager, echoed the significance of the milestone, stating that it “validates the dedication and technical competence” of the company’s in-house team. For an industry often plagued by skills shortages and overdependence on foreign expertise, this is a vital endorsement.
“We’ve built a foundation of technical excellence and are fully prepared to support an expanding fleet with safety, speed, and reliability,” Ogbaji noted.
With this capability, Flybird is now poised to attract more third-party clients, including private jet owners, charter companies, and even regional airlines in need of certified, cost-efficient maintenance solutions.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Catalysing a Regional MRO Hub
The implications extend beyond Flybird itself. If well-leveraged, this certification could catalyse a West African MRO hub out of Nigeria—something the continent sorely needs. While major African players like Ethiopian Airlines and South Africa Airways have long held a monopoly on MRO excellence, Nigeria’s geographic and economic position makes it an ideal contender for regional dominance.
However, the journey from certification to commercial impact requires sustained investment in:
- Technical training and talent development
- Infrastructure and hangar expansion
- Strategic partnerships with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and parts suppliers
- Digitised maintenance systems for efficiency and compliance
Flybird’s success could also encourage other indigenous operators to seek NCAA AMO certification, gradually transforming Nigeria from a maintenance-dependent to a maintenance-capable aviation economy.
As Nigeria charts a new course in aviation growth, BRANDECONOMY will continue to provide in-depth coverage, insights, and strategic analysis across the sector. For expert business news, visit www.brandeconomy.com.
