Nigerian Air Force Engineers Reactivate Dornier DO-228 After 23 Years

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft that had been grounded for 23 years, highlighting the advanced capabilities of NAF engineers and technicians. The aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power, and Steel, had been out of service since 2001. It was stored at the DANA facility in Kaduna.

This impressive feat came in response to a Presidential directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to transfer grounded aircraft to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation. Following the directive, the NAF took on the task of reactivating the Dornier DO-228, a Dash 201 Series aircraft, which had only logged 1,081 flight hours since its initial deployment. The NAF viewed this project as a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset.

The reactivation process, which took place between June and September 2024, involved detailed planning and execution by a team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF’s 431 Engineering Group in Kaduna. Their meticulous work involved the application of advanced engineering techniques and strict adherence to aviation standards, demonstrating the NAF’s growing technical expertise and its commitment to maintaining operational effectiveness.

According to NAF’s spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola F. Akinboyewa, the successful reactivation of the Dornier aircraft not only enhances the NAF’s fleet but also symbolizes the organization’s drive for self-reliance in aviation maintenance. This achievement serves as a morale booster for NAF personnel, showcasing their capability to handle complex projects that would otherwise have been outsourced to foreign contractors.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised the efforts of the 431 Engineering Group, emphasizing the broader significance of the project. He noted that the reactivation reflects the NAF’s determination to optimize resources, strengthen its fleet, and contribute to national security through operational excellence.

“This success is not just an operational gain; it is a statement of our capabilities and commitment to self-reliance,” Air Marshal Abubakar stated.