Tinubu Lists 20-Year-Old Presidential Jet For Sale in Switzerland After Airbus Upgrade
President Bola Tinubu has put Nigeria’s 20-year-old Boeing 737 Business Jet (BBJ) up for sale in Switzerland, amid increasing public scrutiny over the cost of maintaining the presidential air fleet.
The aircraft, acquired in 2005 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, is currently undergoing inspections and sale preparations at AMAC Aerospace in Basel.
This comes after the Tinubu government took delivery of a refurbished Airbus ACJ330-200 in July 2024 to serve as the new presidential jet.
The ageing Boeing, which has logged 3,821 flight hours and 1,881 landings, was the primary jet for Nigerian presidents for nearly two decades.
It features a five-zone cabin for 33 passengers and eight crew members, complete with a private bedroom, VIP office, and conference area.
The plane also includes first-class and business-class seating, internet connectivity, and advanced avionics like ADS-B Out, CPDLC, and FANS 1/A.
Despite undergoing a partial refurbishment last year — including new carpeting, upgraded seating, and C1-C2 inspections — the aircraft was deemed costly to maintain and potentially unsafe.
The jet had previously suffered a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia, raising concerns in the National Assembly.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the decision to retire the Boeing, noting it was no longer reliable and had become a financial burden.
The Airbus that replaced it was reportedly bought for over ₦150 billion — equivalent to about $100 million at an exchange rate of ₦1,507 per dollar at the time.
Although the Boeing remains in good condition, always hangared and professionally maintained, it is not covered by an engine maintenance programme.
Its two CFM56-7BE engines are still classified as “on condition”, meaning they are not under guaranteed performance plans.
Neither the Nigerian government nor AMAC Aerospace has disclosed an asking price for the aircraft.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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