President Bola Ahmed Tinubu departed Abuja yesterday for Paris, France, using the new Airbus A330. This aircraft replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s presidency.
In a post on his X handle, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bayo Onanuga said the new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, which run into millions of dollars yearly.
He said 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,” he added.
