FG replaces 19-year-old presidential jet, confirms purchase of over N150bn Airbus A330,
By Seun Ibiyemi
Following the release of the aircraft, which was one of the three presidential jets, the Presidency has confirmed the acquisition of a new Airbus A330 to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ).
The previous jet, which had been used for presidential travel, was originally acquired during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The confirmation came from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, who made the announcement via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday.
In his post, Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris, France, on Monday aboard the newly acquired aircraft, which was purchased at a price significantly below its market value.
The new jet is anticipated to save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in both maintenance and fuel costs, providing a more sustainable and economical option for presidential travel.
“President Tinubu departed Abuja Monday for Paris, France using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The new plane bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” the post read in part.
Onanuga’s post further elaborated that the decision to replace the ageing B737-700 (BBJ) in the presidential fleet was largely influenced by concerns brought to light during an investigative hearing conducted by Nigeria’s parliament.
This hearing raised significant and serious questions regarding the safety record and overall cost efficiency of the older aircraft, concerns that were particularly amplified after the plane experienced a malfunction during a critical trip to Saudi Arabia.
In response to these pressing concerns, the Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee strongly recommended the replacement of the outdated aircraft.
The goal was to minimise downtime and reduce the operational expenses that had become increasingly burdensome due to the ageing plane’s frequent maintenance needs and potential safety risks.
The newly acquired plane is described as spacious, featuring state-of-the-art avionics, a customised interior, and an advanced communications system, making it a more modern, reliable, and efficient choice for presidential travel.
“The recommendation to replace the B737-700(BBJ) followed an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament that questioned the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency, especially after it malfunctioned during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
“The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
“The new plane is spacious and is furnished with the state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system,” the remainder of Onanuga’s post read.
Recall that the presidential jets were recently confiscated by a French court in favour of a Chinese firm over a dispute with the Ogun State Government.
According to recent reports, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited announced the release of one of the three presidential aircraft belonging to Nigeria, which had been detained in France.
The Chinese company characterised the release of the aircraft as a goodwill gesture, citing the upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The company stated that it recognised the significance of the aircraft for the diplomatic engagement and took steps to ensure its availability, thereby facilitating the meeting.
The Nigerian government plans to spend over N150 billion on a new presidential jet had been a move that sparked controversy.
The proposed expenditure came under scrutiny as the nation grappled with economic challenges and record inflation.
The Airbus A330 aircraft, was reportedly in possession of a German bank, and was acquired following a default on a multi-million-dollar loan by an Arab prince and businessman.
The A330 combines new-generation engines, aerodynamic and other improvements to deliver even more comfort and efficiency. Designed for highly-demanding VIP and private markets, the aircraft delivers top-end luxury, comfort and range.
