The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed the acquisition of a new Airbus A330 to replace the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) previously used for presidential travel. The older jet, acquired during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, was replaced following concerns about its safety and rising maintenance costs.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, announced the news on Monday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Onanuga revealed that President Tinubu departed Abuja for Paris aboard the newly acquired aircraft, which was purchased at a price significantly below its market value.
The new jet is expected to save Nigeria millions of dollars annually in maintenance and fuel costs, offering a more economical and reliable option for presidential travel. The decision to replace the aging Boeing B737-700 was influenced by an investigative hearing in Nigeria’s parliament, which raised concerns over the old jet’s safety and cost efficiency, particularly after a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
The new Airbus A330 is described as spacious, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and an advanced communications system, ensuring a more modern and efficient mode of travel for the President.