Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has explained why the new Presidential jet was purchased amid the hardship faced in the economy.

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. He said the new plane was bought far below its market price.

He further stated 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.