In a landmark achievement for African aviation, Nigerian operator Elin Air has become the first company on the continent to complete a 7,800 landings check for a Bombardier Challenger CL604 entirely on African soil.
The complex maintenance procedure—considered one of the most rigorous in the industry—was executed entirely in Nigeria by a 100% local team, a feat CEO Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich says proves that “Nigeria has the talent, infrastructure, and discipline to deliver complex aviation projects at world-class standards.”
Elizabeth Jack-Rich
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Dr. Jack-Rich called the milestone “a statement of possibility,” underscoring that local execution means less dependency on foreign facilities, more revenue retention within Nigeria, and a clear signal to the next generation that the country’s engineers can match—and exceed—global benchmarks.
“Every time we outsource, we export opportunity, skills, and income,” Jack-Rich said. “This was about keeping all of that here—about trusting Nigerian engineers to shine on a global stage.”
Elizabeth Jack-Rich
The project, however, was not without challenges. From sourcing specialized parts under tight timelines to maintaining strict compliance with international safety standards, the Elin Air team had to innovate under pressure—streamlining supply chains, running intensive cross-departmental training, and refusing to compromise on safety.
A Bigger Vision for African Aviation
Elin Air is now positioning itself as Africa’s go-to hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, aiming to cut the cost and time African operators spend sending aircraft overseas. Dr. Jack-Rich envisions a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem in Nigeria—one that is powered by local talent, advanced technology, and global trust.
The company’s internal pipeline includes apprenticeships, sponsored technical certifications, and international exchange programs, designed to ensure that Nigerian engineers are not just employable locally but competitive anywhere in the world.
An Industry in Transformation
With Nigeria’s aviation sector gaining fresh attention from policymakers, Elin Air is aligning with emerging reforms, investing in cutting-edge facilities, and diversifying its service portfolio. Dr. Jack-Rich sees her role as both “a builder and a bridge”—constructing capacity and infrastructure while connecting African potential to global aviation opportunities.
Her five-year vision? For Elin Air to be remembered as “the company that set global aviation standards in Africa”—training hundreds of skilled professionals, completing thousands of safe flights, and igniting what she calls “an aviation renaissance across the continent.”
“We want our legacy to be safety, excellence, and transformation,” she said. “And to show that the future of aviation in Africa is not just in the air—it’s being built right here on the ground.”
