Recent investigations reveal that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has acquired a refurbished Airbus A330 as the new presidential jet, sourced from Mid East Jet in Saudi Arabia. This aircraft recently facilitated the President’s trip to France, replacing the aging 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.
According to LEADERSHIP, the Airbus A330 previously served with Middle East Jet from November 27, 2009, to May 25, 2012, before moving to Constellah Aviation and then returning to Mid East Jet in September 2014, ultimately being sold to Nigeria.
The federal government officially received the aircraft on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Registered as 5N-FGA with HEX CODE 06430C, the plane was delivered from a factory in France.
An aviation security expert, who chose to remain anonymous, raised concerns about the maintenance costs of the older Airbus A330, suggesting that a more modern, fuel-efficient Boeing might have been a better choice for cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance in Nigeria.
The presidency countered these concerns, stating that the jet was acquired at a price below market value, resulting in considerable savings on maintenance and fuel costs, potentially saving millions annually. This decision followed a parliamentary investigation that highlighted safety and cost concerns related to the old B737-700(BBJ) after a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee had recommended a new aircraft to minimize downtime and operational expenses. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that the new jet boasts state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and advanced communication systems.
