THE Nigerian Air Force has stated that the country has the competitive and comparative advantage to maintain and restore its fleets to airworthy conditions.
In a statement issued by the spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, on Wednesday, its engineers and technicians have reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft grounded for 23 years.
According to Akinboyewa, the reactivation serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects that otherwise would be outsourced to foreign entities.
He said: “The success of this project carries significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that, beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the Service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.”
He said the remarkable achievement showcases the expertise and capabilities of NAF engineers and technicians, demonstrating their ability to restore complex aircraft to airworthy condition.
“The achievement also demonstrates that the NAF’s investment in training its engineers and technicians has paid off, as they were able to apply their skills and expertise to restore the aircraft to airworthy condition.
“The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001, NAF’s.
“However, a sequel to a Presidential Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project.
“The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset. The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – redesignated,” he said.
According to the NAF spokesman, the reactivation process was conducted between June and September 2024 and involved “meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna.”
Akinboyewa said reactivation of the aircraft required the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards and attests to the NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.
The NAF’s spokesman said the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had hailed the 431 Engr Gp for their dedication and emphasised the broader import of the achievement.
“He noted that the project reflects NAF’s resolve to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and uphold national security through operational excellence.
“The successful reactivation of NAF 039 is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and our commitment to self-reliance,” the NAF boss said.