A Landmark Investment in West African Aviation
$1.2 million grant awarded by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to Aerojet Aviation Limited
June 30, 2021 — Official press release date
On June 30, 2021, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) officially announced a $1.2 million grant to advance Ghana's aviation infrastructure. The funding supports a comprehensive feasibility study for the construction of an aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana.
The grant was awarded to Aerojet Aviation Limited, a locally incorporated Ghanaian aviation company established in 2016 with the mission to fill critical gaps in African aviation maintenance and technical training infrastructure.
"USTDA's partnership with Aerojet will strengthen West Africa's aviation sector by creating the region's first MRO facility and training centre," said Enoh T. Ebong, USTDA's Acting Director.
Stephanie S. Sullivan, U.S. Ambassador to Ghana at the time, stated: "Having an MRO at KIA presents Ghana with the opportunity to cement its position as a regional and global leader in the aviation sector and boost regional economic growth, safety, security and mobility."
Feasibility Study Leadership
Aerojet Aviation selected Alton Aviation Consultancy, a New York-based aviation advisory firm, to conduct the feasibility study covering:
- Detailed facility design and layout planning
- Business and revenue model evaluation
- Sustainable energy options and environmental considerations
- Operational plans and phased implementation roadmap
- Market demand analysis for West and Central African airlines
Jonathan Berger, Managing Director at Alton Aviation Consultancy, emphasised: "Commercial air transport has the power to transform economies, but it can only do so when reinforced by solid aviation infrastructure. We look forward to developing the first world-class MRO operation in West Africa."
CEO Statement
"We are excited about this project and grateful to the USTDA for agreeing to support the development of the MRO. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a Centre of Excellence for critical aviation technical support services. Of special importance is the establishment of a world-class training centre to prepare Africa's youth for the high-tech aviation jobs of the future."
— Mazisi Parkes, Chief Executive Officer of Aerojet Aviation
This project aligns with the U.S. government's Prosper Africa initiative, aiming to increase two-way trade and investment between the United States and African nations with a focus on infrastructure development.
Source: USTDA Official Press Release, June 30, 2021; Aviation Business News, 2021; GBC Ghana Online, July 2021.