The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years, highlighting the country’s growing capability in aviation maintenance and self-reliance.
The milestone was announced on Wednesday in a statement by NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, who described the achievement as a significant morale booster for the Service’s engineers and technicians.
The reactivated aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS,” was previously operated by the defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel and had been grounded at a DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001.
Following a presidential directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer grounded assets to the NAF for evaluation and potential restoration, the project commenced in June 2024 and was completed in September 2024.
According to Akinboyewa, a team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna spearheaded the reactivation process, applying advanced engineering techniques and adhering to stringent aviation standards.
“This success not only enhances the NAF’s fleet but also underscores its resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness,” Akinboyewa stated. He added that the achievement demonstrates the impact of the NAF’s investment in training its personnel.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the 431 Engineering Group for their dedication and emphasized the strategic importance of the project.
“The successful reactivation of NAF 039 is a testament to our technical capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance. It reflects the NAF’s resolve to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and uphold national security through operational excellence,” he said.
