FINALLY, the Presidency, on Monday, August 19, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who made pictures of the presidential jet public on his X handle, said the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Onanuga did not, however, disclose the actual cost of the new jet, only saying that it would saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs running into millions of dollars yearly.
According to him: “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 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 state-of-the-art avionics, customised interior and communications system.”
The jet conveying the President and some of his key aides took off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm on Monday.
Tinubu’s spokesperson, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, ad earlier announced on Sunday, August 18, that the President would depart Abuja en route Paris.
