Presidency, on Monday, unveiled the new Airbus A330 purchased for President Bola Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, released the pictures of the presidential jet on his verified X handle on Monday.
Onanuga stated that the new jet replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
But the presidential aide did not reveal the cost of the new presidential jet.
Onanuga added that the new jet saved Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars annually.
Onanuga 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.”
