FG Set to Sell Three Ageing Presidential Aircraft to Fund New Ones

The Federal government of Nigeria has decided to sell three ageing presidential aircraft to raise funds for a new one, despite the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence recommending the purchase of two new aircraft for the President and Vice President.

However, officials say the government cannot afford to buy two new aircraft and will instead use the sale proceeds to augment the cost of a new jet. The sale of the three aircraft will reduce the presidential air fleet by half, from six aeroplanes and four helicopters to three.

The fleet, maintained by the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), includes a Boeing 737 Boeing Business Jet (BBJ), a Gulfstream G550, a Gulfstream GV, two Falcon 7x, and one Challenger CL605. But insiders reveal that at least half of the fleet is unserviceable or failing, necessitating the need to dispose of the burdensome aircraft.

The jets slated for sale are a Boeing 737 BBJ, a Gulfstream, and a Falcon 7x. A government insider said the government cannot afford to buy two aircraft at once, even if they are selling some, and will instead look for a more affordable option.

The federal government has appointed JetHQ, a US-based airline marketer, to broker the sale. Proceeds from the sale will go towards procuring a new jet, for which a search is ongoing. Although offers have been received for the ageing aircraft, a sale has not been finalized, with the NSA pushing for a better deal.

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The Presidential Air Force (PAF) official involved in the process confirmed that two offers have been received for the BBJ and one for the Falcon X, but the NSA is insisting on a better deal. The National Security Adviser (NSA) spokesman, Zakari Mijinyawa, also confirmed this.

The President’s BBJ aircraft has been undergoing maintenance since March, and recent incidents have forced the President and Vice President to use commercial and chartered planes for their travel. In fact, President Tinubu used a private airplane for his latest trip to South Africa.

The decision to sell the ageing aircraft is seen as a pragmatic move by the government to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The sale proceeds will be used to procure a new jet that will meet the needs of the President and Vice President, and the government is determined to get the best deal possible.