In an impressive display of technical skill, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years, marking a significant achievement in indigenous aircraft maintenance. This accomplishment, revealed by Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of NAF Public Relations and Information, underscores the growing technical expertise within the NAF and its capacity to enhance Nigeria’s aviation readiness.

The aircraft, originally registered as “5N-MPS” and operated by the defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been sitting idle at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001. Following a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer grounded assets to the NAF for evaluation, the Air Force seized the opportunity to undertake the reactivation project.

Rechristened as “NAF-039,” the aircraft, a Dash 201 Series, had accumulated only 1,081 flight hours since its manufacture. The reactivation, which took place between June and September 2024, involved meticulous planning and execution by a team of 5 engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna.

This remarkable feat required advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards. It not only enhances the NAF’s operational fleet but also signals the force’s growing capacity for self-reliant aviation maintenance, reinforcing its commitment to national security and resource optimization.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the 431 Engr Gp for their dedication and the broader significance of the achievement. He emphasized that this project highlights the NAF’s resolve to maximize resources and strengthen its fleet without depending on foreign entities.

The reactivation of NAF-039 builds on earlier NAF successes, including the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection on another DO-228 aircraft earlier in 2024. Together, these milestones showcase the NAF’s increasing autonomy in aircraft maintenance, setting the stage for future projects aimed at achieving technical self-sufficiency.

The successful restoration of the Dornier DO-228 is more than just an engineering victory; it symbolizes the NAF’s ingenuity and resilience. With its reactivation, the aircraft will now contribute to strengthening the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities. This accomplishment solidifies Nigeria’s position as a growing force in Africa’s aviation sector, positioning the NAF to lead in indigenous technical innovation and maintenance.