August 19, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris, France, on Monday, using the new Airbus A330, which replaced the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) bought under the Presidency of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
THEWILL had reported that the new Presidential Jet was among the three jets seized under a French court orders amid dispute between Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co and the Ogun State Government.
The Company, on Friday, released the new Airbus A330 as a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging that President Tinubu requires the aircraft for a scheduled meeting with French President, Emmanuel Macron.
A statement by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said “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 the state-of-the-art avionics, customized interior and communications system.
President Tinubu departed for Paris on Nigeria’s new Airbus A330, replacing the 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ). The upgrade, prompted by safety and cost concerns, saves on maintenance and fuel costs and features modern amenities.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
