In a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s aviation sector, Elin Air and Aviation Services Limited has become the first aviation company in the country to complete a full 7,800 landings maintenance check—a complex inspection akin to a “D-check” on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft—entirely within Nigerian soil and by Nigerian engineers.
Completed on June 23, 2025, the maintenance feat is being celebrated as a breakthrough for aviation self-reliance in Nigeria, marking a significant step away from reliance on foreign Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.
A Milestone in Indigenous Capability
The historic check, which required over 6,000 man-hours, was carried out at Elin Air’s hangar, showcasing Nigeria’s growing competence in high-level aircraft maintenance. The work involved full structural and system inspections, including the aircraft’s engines, APU (auxiliary power unit), fuel tanks, thrust reversers, and flight control systems—all executed to international aviation standards.
“We never doubted we could do this,” said Engr. Dr. Benedict Adeyileka, Executive Director of Elin Group Limited. “With Nigerian talent and determination, we’ve delivered at a world-class level.”
In addition to the core 7,800 landings inspection, the team also conducted 600 and 1,200-hour routine checks, and carried out a complete cabin refurbishment, upgrading the aircraft's interior for luxury executive travel.
100% Nigerian Talent at the Helm
The entire operation was executed by a fully Nigerian technical team, including Engr. Benjamin Dzer (Director of Maintenance) and Engr. Florence Bitrus-Opeyemi (Director of Quality and Safety), working under Engr. Adeyileka’s leadership.
“We knew we had the skills. The only hurdle was proving that Nigeria could handle this level of work internally — and we did,” said Engr. Dzer.
The success sends a strong signal about the capacity of Nigeria’s aviation professionals to take on high-stakes technical operations, long considered the domain of foreign MROs in Europe and North America.
Aligning with Nigeria’s Broader Aviation Reforms
This achievement arrives during a period of significant progress for Nigeria’s aviation industry, including:
- Improved compliance with the Cape Town Convention, leading to Nigeria’s removal from the Aviation Working Group (AWG) watchlist
- The signing of a new Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA)
- The return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian airspace
- The reactivation of Runway 18R at Lagos Airport
Elin Air’s success complements these gains, especially by reducing the cost and time associated with overseas aircraft servicing and keeping valuable aviation business within Nigeria’s economy.
A Vision for a Self-Reliant Aviation Sector
The 7,800 landings check is also a realization of the vision of Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, CEO of Elin Group Limited, who has long championed the development of homegrown technical capacity in aviation.
Through Elin Air, the group aims to build a sustainable and technically proficient MRO ecosystem in Nigeria, serving not only local operators but the broader West African region.
“We’re not just maintaining aircraft—we’re building a new narrative for Nigerian aviation,” said Dr. Jack-Rich in a statement. “This is just the beginning.”
Following the successful completion of this milestone, Elin Air is already preparing for its next major maintenance project, scheduled for November 2025. The company is rapidly positioning itself as a key MRO player in West Africa, capable of delivering technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovation within the region.
As the country pushes to localize value across sectors, Elin Air’s success stands as a compelling example of what’s possible when investment, expertise, and vision align to empower local capacity.
Nigeria has not only ticked a technical checkbox—it has taken flight.