NAF Reactivates Dornier DO-228 Aircraft After 23 Years

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years.

This achievement was announced by the NAF spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, highlighting the growing capacity of the NAF for indigenous maintenance, which contributes to the country’s aviation capabilities and enhances operational readiness.

The aircraft, originally registered as ‘5N-MPS’, was previously operated by the now-defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, and had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001. Following a presidential directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to transfer such inactive platforms to the NAF for evaluation, the Air Force took on the challenge to assess and reactivate the aircraft.

AVM Akinboyewa explained that the NAF saw this project as a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset. The aircraft, a Dash 201 Series, had only logged 1,081 flight hours. The reactivation process, which took place between June and September 2024, involved a team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF’s 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp) in Kaduna. The task required detailed planning, advanced engineering techniques, and strict adherence to aviation standards.

Akinboyewa emphasized the strategic importance of the successful reactivation, stating, “The success of this project carries significant strategic implications. Beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolizes the Service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.” He added that the accomplishment also boosts morale among NAF engineers and technicians, demonstrating their capability to undertake complex projects without relying on foreign entities.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the dedication of the 431 Engineering Group and highlighted the broader significance of the project. The CAS stated, “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.”

This success builds on previous NAF milestones, such as the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection of another Dornier DO-228 aircraft in January 2024. These achievements underscore the NAF’s growing expertise in advanced in-house aircraft maintenance, which lays a solid foundation for future projects aimed at achieving technical autonomy.

The reactivation of NAF-039 after 23 years represents more than just an engineering accomplishment. It showcases the NAF’s resilience, ingenuity, and commitment to excellence. It also underscores the Air Force’s critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and its dedication to optimising resources and fostering self-reliance.

The newly reactivated Dornier aircraft will enhance the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities by joining the fleet of DO-228 aircraft, a platform still in use globally. According to Akinboyewa, this achievement further strengthens the NAF’s position as a leading force in Africa’s aviation sector, with the potential to drive innovation in indigenous maintenance and technical advancements.

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