Aviation experts in Nigeria have criticized the acquisition of a new presidential jet, Airbus 330-200, for President Bola Tinubu, calling it a waste of resources. They argue that the 15-year-old aircraft is more costly to maintain than the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) B737, which the presidency planned to discard due to high maintenance costs.
One expert, who preferred to remain anonymous, suggested that the price of the new aircraft may have been inflated to “provide funds for the boys.” The Federal Government has not disclosed the cost of the airplane, but a presidency source claimed it was acquired for $100 million, with an additional $50 million for retrofitting.
The source questioned the reason for dumping the old BBJ aircraft, challenging the government to make public the maintenance costs. “Anything that has to do with the government, our people tend to inflate it… Boeing 737 BBJ was manufactured around 1998, while the current Airbus 300-200 was manufactured in 1994. It’s an older brand.”
Capt. Mohammed Badamasi, a pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, emphasized the need for transparency on the maintenance costs of the BBJ. He explained that the aircraft’s life expectancy depends on usage and maintenance culture, and that proper maintenance could extend its lifespan.
Another industry expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that the age of an aircraft doesn’t matter if maintenance schedules are strictly adhered to. However, they wondered if Nigeria has the maintenance culture and manpower to maintain the complex Airbus A330 aircraft, and questioned the timing of acquiring another presidential jet.
