The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully revived a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years. Originally operated by the now-defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, the aircraft had been lying dormant at a Kaduna facility since 2001.
In response to a Presidential directive to assess and restore grounded national assets, a team from the NAF 431 Engineering Group, consisting of five engineering officers and 40 technicians, took on the task. Over several months, from June to September 2024, the team meticulously restored the aircraft, now designated as “NAF-039,” to full operational capacity.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, lauded the engineers for their dedication and expertise. He described the feat as a testament to NAF’s growing technical capabilities and its commitment to achieving self-reliance in aviation maintenance.
The successful reactivation of the aircraft not only strengthens the Nigerian Air Force fleet but also positions Nigeria as a leader in indigenous aviation maintenance on the continent.
The Dornier DO-228 will be deployed for tactical airlift operations, aligning with NAF’s vision of operational excellence, resource optimisation, and enhanced national security.
