President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris on Monday, August 19, 2024, aboard the new Airbus A330, which has replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that was purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the new aircraft is expected to save Nigeria substantial maintenance and fuel costs, potentially amounting to millions of dollars annually. Onanuga noted that the Airbus A330 was acquired below the market price, making it a cost-efficient addition to the presidential fleet.
The decision to replace the ageing Boeing B737-700 came after an investigative hearing by Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns about the plane’s safety and cost efficiency, particularly following a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended the replacement to reduce downtime and operational expenses.