Everything To Know About Nigeria’s New Presidential Jet, Previous Users, Age & Cost

Nigeria is third user of new presidential jet, here are six (6) things to know about the 15 year old Airbus A330-200.

An Airbus A330-200 this week joined the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), barely a month after the Nigerian House of Representatives’ Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommended procuring a new one due to high maintenance costs and operational issues with the current fleet.

Here are six (6) things to know about the the latest addition to the Presidential Air Fleet.

1. Tinubu’s First Trip Aboard New Presidential Jet

The new presidential jet, the Airbus A330 registered with 5N-FGA was used for the very first time by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday August 19th for his trip to Paris, France.

2. Replaced 19-year-old Boeing B737-700

It replaces the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) registered with 5N-FGT, which was handed over to the FG in 2005 during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

3. It Is A 15 year old Aircraft

The latest addition isn’t brand new so to speak as Nigerian Government is the third user. It was originally delivered in 2009 to Saudi Arabia’s Midroc Aviation, who operated it for 12 years before it was ac­quired by AMAC Aerospace in April 2021.

4. To Save On Maintenance, Fuel Costs

According to the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the A330 features modern avionics and communications systems, adding that it will save on maintenance and fuel costs.

5. Cost : N150 Billion Naira ($150 million).

While the presidency is mute on how much was paid for the presidential jet, local newspapers alleged that the FG paid $100m for it and splashed another $50m to retrofit it with state-of-the-art gadgets.

6. Cost Of Brand New Model

While FG reportedly spent about $150 million to buy and upgrade the new presidential jet to its taste, a brand new Airbus A330-200 is listed for $238.5 million while the 330neo costs in the region of $290 million to $300 million.

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