Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier Aerospace has made Ethiopian Airlines an authorised service facility (ASF) that will serve Q400 and Q400 NextGen Turboprop commercial flights.

According to a statement, the aircraft producer has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Ethiopian to perform line and heavy maintenance on aircrafts, adding the airline to Bombardier’s network of over 600 authorised service facilities and line maintenance facilities in 25 countries.

Commenting on the development, the President, Customer Services and Specialised Aircraft Bombardier, Eric Martel, noted that the agreement would bring high quality maintenance support closer to operators within the region

‘‘We are happy about the new opportunities for commercial aviation in Africa and through sustained investment and focus, we are expanding our support services on the continent…’’ he said.

He further explained that the union is important to strengthen and support Bombadier’s network in Africa.

Ethiopian, which operates modern and complete aircraft, engine and component overhaul and repair facilities, became the first to take delivery of the Q400 NextGen on Bombardier’s production line in 2012.

The new agreement is expected to take effect by late august.