Presidency unveils Airbus A330 new presidential jet

On Monday, the Presidency unveiled a new Airbus A330 acquired for President Bola Tinubu.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, shared images of the presidential jet on his verified X handle.

This new aircraft replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) that was purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

While the cost of the new jet was not disclosed by Onanuga, he emphasized that the Airbus A330 would save Nigeria significant maintenance and fuel costs, amounting to millions of dollars annually.

He wrote, “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, customized interior and communications system.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu has departed the Federal Capital Territory for France.

The Airbus A330 business jet conveying the President and some of his key aides lifted off from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 04:08 pm.

Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, announced on Sunday that the President will embark on his fourth trip to the European country on Monday, August 19, departing from Abuja, the nation’s capital.