Elin Air: How one Nigerian company made aviation history without leaving the country

Business Insider

2 days ago

When Elin Air completed the 7,800 landings check for a Bombardier Challenger CL604 entirely in Nigeria, it became the first time this level of maintenance had been achieved anywhere in Africa. The accomplishment is more than a milestone for the company. For CEO, Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, it is proof that Nigeria has the talent, infrastructure, and determination to deliver complex aviation projects at world-class standards.
In this exclusive interview with Business Insider Africa, Dr. Jack-Rich shares what this achievement means for the aviation industry, why it was important to keep the project in Nigeria, how her team overcame challenges, and her vision for building African capacity in aviation technology and engineering.
BI Africa: Congratulations on completing the 7,800 landings check here in Nigeria. What does this milestone mean for Elin Air and the aviation industry in the country?
Elizabeth: The 7800 landings feat achieved by Elin Air is the first in Africa, not just Nigeria, and we are proud that it was done on Nigerian soil. To us, this milestone is not just a technical achievement; it's a statement of possibility. Completing the 7,800 landings check locally demonstrates that Nigeria possesses the talent, infrastructure, and discipline to deliver complex aviation projects to the highest international standards. For Elin Air, it reinforces our brand promise: operational excellence rooted in African capability. For the wider industry, it serves as a proof of concept that we can reduce our dependence on foreign facilities, keep revenue within the country, and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
BI Africa: Most companies would have outsourced a technical operation of that scale. Why was it important to execute it fully in Nigeria with a local team?
Elizabeth: For us, this was never just about the aircraft; it was about the people. Every time we outsource, we export opportunity, skills, and income. I wanted us to keep all of that here in Nigeria. By entrusting our local engineers and technicians with this project, we gave them the opportunity to demonstrate their competence on a global stage. It was also a deliberate stand: to demonstrate that with the right training, leadership, and resources, Nigerian professionals can meet and even surpass global standards.
BI Africa: ⁠What were some of the biggest challenges your team faced during the inspection process, and how did you manage them?
Elizabeth: The challenges were real: sourcing specialized parts under tight timelines, navigating the learning curve of a complex check, and ensuring every detail met global compliance standards. We addressed these challenges through collaboration and adaptability, building strong supply chain relationships for quicker parts delivery, conducting intensive cross-departmental training sessions, and maintaining a zero-compromise approach to safety. Every hurdle became a moment to innovate, and those moments made us stronger.
BI Africa: ⁠Elin Air has been expanding its MRO capabilities and building a name for itself in the region. What's the long-term vision driving this?
Elizabeth: Our vision is to make Elin Air the go-to African hub for world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services: serving clients locally and internationally. I want to cut the cost and time operators spend sending aircraft overseas, and instead build a self-sufficient aviation ecosystem here. This isn't just business; it's about creating a legacy where African expertise is respected, trusted, and sought after.
BI Africa: ⁠In what ways does Elin Air's approach to aircraft maintenance and private aviation stand out from others in the space?
Elizabeth: We stand on three pillars: safety, personalisation, and efficiency without compromising on quality. In private aviation, we don't just offer flights - we provide tailored experiences where reliability meets luxury. In maintenance, our hybrid approach blends global best practices with the agility of local operations, allowing us to meet deadlines without compromising on quality. Our clients know that when an aircraft leaves our care, it's as safe as it is immaculate.
BI Africa: ⁠Nigeria's aviation sector is getting more attention with recent policy moves. How are you positioning Elin Air to take advantage of this momentum?
Elizabeth: We're doing two things: aligning our operations with emerging policy incentives and staying ahead of regulatory expectations. That means investing in cutting-edge facilities, diversifying our service portfolio, and engaging in constructive dialogue with regulators. By being proactive rather than reactive, Elin Air isn't just keeping pace with the momentum; we're helping shape it.
BI Africa: You've spoken a lot about building local capacity. What are you doing internally to train and grow Nigerian talent in aviation tech and engineering?
Elizabeth: We have a structured pipeline for talent development: apprenticeships, sponsored technical certifications, and international exchange programs. Our engineers get exposed to the latest aviation technologies, and our leaders actively mentor the next generation. The goal is simple: Build a workforce that's not just employable in Nigeria, but competitive anywhere in the world.
BI Africa: ⁠As a young CEO leading one of the few private companies in this sector, how do you see your role in shaping the future of aviation in Nigeria and West Africa?
Elizabeth: I see myself as both a builder and a bridge. A builder because we're creating tangible capacity, jobs, and infrastructure. A bridge because I'm connecting African potential to global standards and opportunities. I want young Africans to see aviation as a field they can own, innovate in, and lead globally, and not just participate in as a supporting player.
BI Africa:⁠ ⁠How much support or collaboration have you received from regulators, policymakers, or partners in making this vision possible?
Elizabeth: We've had strong support from regulators who share our belief in building local capacity, and we have also benefited from valuable collaboration with policymakers who are open to progressive reforms. Our partners, both local and international, have contributed expertise, resources, and technology transfer. That said, the industry would benefit even more from streamlined bureaucratic processes and targeted funding for infrastructure development.
BI Africa: ⁠Five years from now, what would you like the legacy of Elin Air to be?
Elizabeth: Five years from now, I want Elin Air to be remembered as the company that not only met, but also set, global aviation standards in Africa. I want our legacy to be a combination of safety, excellence, and transformation, hundreds of highly skilled professionals trained, thousands of safe flights completed, and Nigeria positioned as a respected name in international aviation. I want us to be the spark that ignited an aviation renaissance in Africa.