By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has strengthened its helicopter maintenance capacity following the successful training of four personnel on the Airframe Maintenance Type Training Course for the AW109 Trekker helicopter in Italy.
The specialised training programme took place at the Leonardo Helicopter Division facility in Sesto Calende, Italy, from January 12 to February 20, 2026.
The comprehensive course combined intensive theoretical and practical sessions designed to equip participants with advanced technical knowledge and hands-on skills required for the effective maintenance and servicing of the AW109S Trekker helicopter.
During the training, the NAF personnel were exposed to detailed instruction on the identification of the helicopter’s systems and subsystems, their operational mechanisms, and the procedures required for proper maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure the aircraft remains airworthy.
The programme also placed strong emphasis on the interpretation and application of maintenance manuals, a critical component of aviation safety that ensures maintenance activities are conducted in line with global standards and best practices.
The initiative forms part of the Nigerian Air Force’s broader efforts to strengthen technical expertise within its ranks and sustain operational readiness as the service continues to expand and modernise its air assets.
The training is also in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of the Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who has prioritised deliberate capacity development, technical excellence and continuous professional advancement of personnel to enhance the operational effectiveness of the force.
Under this strategic approach, the Nigerian Air Force has continued to invest in specialised training programmes with original equipment manufacturers and internationally recognised aviation institutions in order to build a highly skilled technical workforce capable of maintaining and sustaining its modern fleet.
By exposing its engineers and technicians to global best practices in aircraft maintenance, the service aims to strengthen its in-house technical capacity while ensuring the reliability and safety of its air platforms deployed for various operations across the country.
At the conclusion of the training programme, the participating personnel were presented with certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the course, marking another step in the Nigerian Air Force’s ongoing drive to deepen professional competence and maintain high operational standards within the service.
