Global executive charter operator GainJet picks Kigali for first Line Maintenance Station in Africa

June 19, 2024 in Business, Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

Pic Credit: GainJet

Athens-based private jet charter operator GainJet Aviation Group has established a new Line Station Facility at Kigali International Airport, positioning Rwanda to play a greater role in global aviation.

Times Aerospace reports that the European Aviation Safety Agency -EASA- approved facility, which has already received certification from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority -RCAA-, is qualified to provide line maintenance for the Gulfstream GV-SP (G550), the type of aircraft Uganda operates for presidential transport. Others are the Gulfstream GVI (G650), Bombardier Global 7500 (BD-700-2A12), Bombardier CL604/605, Boeing 737NG (-600, -700, – 800, -900) and the Boeing 737 Classic series -300, -400 and -500.

Although line maintenance typically involves light work such as troubleshooting and minor repairs as well as servicing on the go, this is still a major vote of confidence in Rwanda and the region. GainJet already operates several VIP aircraft bases in Africa and Rwanda’s central location on the continent must have been a key consideration in selecting it to host line maintenance. It is also a stepping-stone that could ultimately expand to include capabilities for inspections and major checks typical of established maintenance and repair organisations (MROs).

Times Aerospace further reports that the Kigali Line Station will operate under the wings of GainJet’s line maintenance HQ in Athens, and it will be staffed around the clock, 24/7, by highly trained and experienced aviation engineers, technicians and support staff.

“This commitment to top quality, round-the-clock service ensures we can provide swift, efficient, and reliable maintenance services to our clients throughout Eastern and Central Africa with minimal disruption to their operations,” the publication quotes GainJet’s accountable manager, Simon Roussos as saying.

Roussos further said that line maintenance facility was just the beginning of a process that would see GAinjet “expand our aircraft type maintenance capabilities in our Kigali Station – and beyond.”

The company expects to have secured approvals for line maintenance of the Gulfstream G700 for the Kigali station by the end of the year.