Honeywell Aerospace and ExecuJet Nigeria Forge Partnership to Enhance Aviation Services
In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, Honeywell Aerospace, a leading global manufacturer of aircraft engines, avionics, and aviation products, has entered into a partnership with ExecuJet Nigeria Free Trade Enterprises, a reputable Fixed-Base Operator and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos. The two firms officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, marking the initiation of their first collaborative venture in the aviation industry.
Under the terms of the MoU, ExecuJet Nigeria Free Trade Enterprises has been designated as the authorized mechanical center for business and general aviation, focusing on avionics and engine installations for Honeywell in Nigeria. This collaboration aims to address one of the persistent challenges facing the Nigerian aviation sector: the difficulty for operators to conduct major maintenance and acquire aircraft parts locally. Historically, this has resulted in heightened operational costs, contributing to escalating airfare prices.
The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed optimism regarding the industry’s future, particularly following Nigeria’s adoption of the Cape Town Convention last year and subsequent engagements with financiers and aircraft lessors in Dublin earlier in January 2025. He emphasized the government’s commitment to revitalizing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation landscape by accelerate growth strategies.
At the MoU signing event in Lagos, Sam Iwuajoku, Chairman and CEO of Quits Aviation Free Trade Zone—the organization hosting the ExecuJet facility—described the partnership as revolutionary for the aviation sector. He pointed out that Honeywell’s technology is significantly integrated into over 80 percent of the aircraft operational in Nigeria, which includes commercial, military, and space models.
Iwuajoku highlighted the advantages of this alliance for the local aviation industry, explaining that operators will no longer need to travel abroad for vital parts, upgrades, or maintenance services for engines and avionics.
“I am truly excited about this partnership. We stand to gain valuable insights into Honeywell’s technology, which will create job opportunities for our local workforce,” he stated. “This collaboration addresses some of the industry’s longstanding challenges, particularly the need for overseas travel for components. All solutions, ranging from flight management systems to connectivity hardware, will now be accessible in Nigeria, which were previously unavailable,” Iwuajoku added.
He characterized the introduction of Honeywell’s extensive range of aviation products as an honor, particularly in light of the progress it represents for the Nigerian aviation ecosystem.
Honeywell representative Ivo Heger echoed this sentiment at the event, expressing positive expectations regarding the partnership’s impact on both organizations and Nigeria’s aviation sector. Heger discussed the variety of Honeywell’s offerings, including the 731 series engine and auxiliary power units (APUs) such as the 36-100 and 36-150, which are essential for pre-flight operations, including cabin cooling and avionics functionality.
“Our product catalog for business and geo-location aviation is quite comprehensive, featuring full cockpit suites, flight display instruments, connectivity solutions for safety, as well as weather instruments for cockpit use,” Heger elaborated.
He also mentioned that the negotiations for the agreement with ExecuJet Nigeria had taken longer than expected due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but he expressed enthusiasm about the finalization of the agreement.
“While the pandemic slowed everything down, we have now reached a satisfactory arrangement, and we look forward to the benefits of this collaboration,” Heger concluded.
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