The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, has given reasons why the new Presidential jet was bought.
According to him, the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly. Accoridng to him, the new plane was bought far below its market price.
He stated via his X handle that 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.
He mentioned that the Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee recommended replacing the ageing aircraft in the presidential fleet to reduce downtime and operational expenses.
Onanuga added that the new plane is spacious and is furnished with the state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.