January 08, (THEWILL) – In a significant feat of engineering, the Nigerian Air Force has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001.
The announcement, made by NAF Spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Akinboyewa, detailed the process and strategic implications of restoring the aircraft, initially designated as “5N-MPS” and previously operated by the now-defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel.
Akinboyewa stated, “Following a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF embarked on this ambitious project.
“The aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, presented a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset.”
The reactivation of the aircraft, now redesignated “NAF-039,” was conducted between June and September 2024. The operation involved a team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna.
“This accomplishment required the application of advanced engineering techniques and strict adherence to aviation standards,” Akinboyewa said.
He added that the feat underscores the NAF’s growing technical expertise and commitment to achieving self-reliance in aviation maintenance.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the 431 Engineering Group for their dedication and emphasized the broader significance of the achievement.
He described the project as a testament to the NAF’s resolve to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and enhance national security.
He said, “The successful reactivation of NAF-039 is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and commitment to self-reliance.
“This builds upon earlier successes, including the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection of another DO-228 aircraft in January 2024.”
He further noted that the restoration of NAF-039 after 23 years is more than an engineering milestone.
“It showcases the NAF’s ingenuity, resilience, and operational excellence while reaffirming its vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” he added.
The newly reactivated aircraft is set to enhance the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities, joining an existing fleet of DO-228 aircraft, which remain in active service globally.
“This achievement not only strengthens our fleet but also solidifies the NAF’s position as a leading force in Africa’s aviation sector, with the potential to lead in indigenous maintenance and technical innovation,” Abubakar concluded.
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