WorldStage Newsonline– Elin Air and Aviation Services Ltd. has successfully completed a 7,800 landings maintenance check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604, using only Nigerian professionals.
This is contained in a statement by Dr Benedict Adeyileka, Executive Director of Elin Group, issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
Adeyileka said the achievement marks a key milestone in Nigeria’s capacity to carry out complex aircraft maintenance procedures locally.
“I never doubted we could do this. It took careful planning and full compliance with global aircraft maintenance standards.
“Today, we’ve proved that Nigerian talent and determination can deliver results at world-class standards,” he said.
He explained that the 7,800 landing check is among the most rigorous maintenance inspections in an aircraft’s operational cycle.
Specifically mandated for aircraft like the Bombardier Challenger 604, the check is similar to a commercial “D check”, needing over 6,000 man-hours.
Between April and June 2025, Elin Air engineers removed, examined, and serviced key aircraft components at the company’s hangar space.
The maintenance included engines, fuel tanks, Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), thrust reversers, and flight control systems, according to Adeyileka.
He added that the team also completed routine 600 and 1200-hour checks during the strip-down process.
The cabin was refurbished and reassembled, reflecting global best practices in design, comfort, and functionality for high-end travel.
On local execution, Adeyileka said: “Rather than outsourcing to foreign facilities, as is common, Elin Air completed the process entirely within Nigeria.”
He added that this decision, shared with Elin Group CEO Dr Elizabeth Jack-Rich, supports Nigeria’s move towards maintenance self-sufficiency.
He stressed that the goal is to build long-term aviation sustainability and reduce reliance on foreign Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services.
Director of Maintenance, Mr Benjamin Dzer, said engaging Nigerian engineers strengthens the company’s commitment to local technical capacity.
“We had the skills. The challenge was proving Nigeria could handle such advanced work. We have now done just that.
“Successfully executing this complex procedure sets Elin Air on a clear path to becoming a top MRO provider in West Africa,” Dzer stated.
Elin Air has scheduled its next major maintenance check for November 2025.
