The Nigerian Air Force has successfully restored a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years, showcasing the country’s ability to maintain and restore its aviation fleet locally.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, NAF’s spokesman, revealed that the aircraft, initially operated by the defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been grounded at a facility in Kaduna since 2001.
“This milestone serves as a morale booster for NAF engineers and technicians, highlighting their capacity to undertake complex projects that were previously outsourced to foreign entities,” Akinboyewa stated.
He emphasized the strategic significance of the achievement: “Beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, this success symbolizes our resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.”
The reactivation process, conducted between June and September 2024, involved a team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna. The effort required advanced engineering techniques and strict adherence to aviation standards, underscoring NAF’s growing technical capabilities.
“The reactivation of this Dash 201 Series aircraft with only 1,081 flight hours since new is a testament to the NAF’s investment in training and the expertise of its personnel,” Akinboyewa noted.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the team for their dedication, describing the project as a reflection of NAF’s commitment to optimizing resources and strengthening national security.
“The successful reactivation of this aircraft is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” Air Marshal Abubakar said.
This initiative followed a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and potential restoration. The reactivation of the aircraft, now redesignated NAF 039, represents a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in aviation maintenance, according to Akinboyewa.
“This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates the expertise of our engineers and technicians, reaffirming the NAF’s resolve to enhance its fleet and uphold operational excellence,” Akinboyewa concluded.
