By Abiola Olawale
Amid plans to purchase new aircraft for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Government has reportedly perfected plans to sell three aircraft in the presidential fleet.
Reports emerging on Saturday have revealed that the government has reportedly put up three aircraft in the presidential fleet for sale.
An insider source who spoke with the press on the condition of anonymity said the reason the federal government reportedly decided to put up three aircraft for sale is to augment whatever money would be sent on procuring a new one.
According to the source, the Federal Government has already acquired the services of Jet HQ, a global player in aircraft sales.
The current presidential fleet consists of six aircraft and six helicopters. The aircraft include one Boeing Business Jet used as Air Force One said to be 19 years old, currently unserviceable and undergoing maintenance; one Gulfstream G550 (13 years old, in good condition); one Gulfstream GV (23 years old, unserviceable); two Falcon 7Xs (one serviceable, one unserviceable), and one Challenger CL605 (12 years old, serviceable).
The source revealed that the three being put for sale are the BBJ aircraft; one Gulfstream and a Falcon 7x.
According to estimated figures online, a used Boeing Business Jet costs between $25m to $41m depending on the number of hours and landings it has flown. Also, the used Gulfstream goes for between $12m to $15m.
The New Diplomat reports that this is coming after the National Assembly recently prepared the ground for the presidency to buy a new jet.
The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recommended the purchase of new aircraft citing the safety of the number one citizen.
In May, the House of Representatives ordered the committee to investigate the state of the presidential air fleet following reports of the president using chartered flights when his aircraft, the popular 001 jet, developed a fault.
The committee in its report said, “The committee is of the strong and informed opinion that considering the fragile structure of the Nigerian federation and recognising the dire consequences of any foreseen or unforeseen mishap that may arise as a result of the technical or operational inadequacy of the presidential air fleet, it is in the best interest of the country to procure two additional aircraft as recommended.
“This will also prove to be most cost-efficient in the long run, apart from the added advantage of providing a suitable, comfortable, and safe carrier befitting of the status and responsibilities of the office of the president and vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
