The Presidency on Monday unveiled a new Airbus A330 aircraft purchased for President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant upgrade from the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) that had served the Nigerian presidency since the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared images of the new presidential jet on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, highlighting the benefits of the upgrade.
According to Onanuga, the new Airbus A330 will save Nigeria millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs annually, making it a more cost-effective choice 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,” Onanuga wrote.
“The new plane bought far below the market price saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly.”
The decision to replace the ageing Boeing jet follows an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns about the plane’s safety record and cost efficiency. The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee subsequently recommended the purchase of a new aircraft to reduce downtime and operational expenses associated with the older model.
“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,” Onanuga explained.
He further noted that the new Airbus A330 is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and an advanced communications system, providing enhanced comfort and functionality for the President and his entourage.
Despite the announcement, Onanuga did not disclose the cost of the new jet, leaving the exact financial details of the acquisition unclear.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has already utilized the new aircraft for his latest official trip, departing the Federal Capital Territory for France on Monday afternoon.
The Airbus A330 business jet, carrying the President and some of his key aides, lifted off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm.
This trip marks President Tinubu’s fourth visit to France since assuming office.