Airline company Elin Air reaches aviation milestone, completing a groundbreaking maintenance check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft.

In a groundbreaking development for the Nigerian aviation industry, Elin Air, a subsidiary of Elin Group Limited, has successfully completed a 7,800 landing check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft locally. This marks a significant milestone for the company, positioning it as a potential contender in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) space in West Africa.

The 7,800 landing check is one of the most comprehensive maintenance inspections required in an aircraft's operational life, equivalent to a commercial airline's "D check." This extensive maintenance work, which required over 6,000 man-hours, was led by Engr. Benedict Adeyileka (Executive Director), Engr. Benjamin Dzer (Director of Maintenance), and Engr. Florence Bitrus-Opeyemi (Director of Quality and Safety). All engineers involved in the check were Nigerian, reinforcing Elin's commitment to building indigenous technical capacity.

The maintenance work included the removal, examination, and servicing of engines, fuel tanks, auxiliary power unit (APU), thrust reversers, and flight control systems. The upgraded cabin of the Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft now reflects modern elegance and superior comfort, making it ideal for premium travel.

This successful maintenance check signifies a turning point in Nigeria's aircraft maintenance capabilities, according to Engr. Dr. Benedict Adeyileka, Executive Director of Elin Group Limited. He stated, "The successful maintenance check signifies a turning point in Nigeria's aircraft maintenance capabilities and reflects Elin Air's rising position as a potential contender in the MRO space."

Engr. Dzer also commented, stating that the successful completion of the check signifies a hurdle being overcome in proving Nigeria's ability to handle high-level maintenance work internally. This achievement aligns with a shared vision between Engr. Adeyileka and Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, CEO of Elin Group Limited, to reduce Nigeria's dependency on foreign maintenance facilities.

Elin Air, a private aviation service provider, delivers premium charter experiences across the globe and has ambitions in the MRO space. The successful completion of the 7,800 landing check on the Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft was achieved entirely by Nigerian professionals on Nigerian soil.

The Nigerian aviation industry has also seen other positive developments. Nigeria has signed the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), effectively lifting a two-year suspension on Emirates Airline and reactivating the previously dormant Lagos Airport Second runway (18R). Additionally, the industry has achieved a 26.5% increase in compliance with the Cape Town Convention (CTC), leading to Nigeria being removed from the Aviation Working Group (AWG) watchlist for non-compliance.

Looking ahead, Elin Air has scheduled its next major maintenance check for November 2025. The company's success in the MRO space is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.