President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Monday for Paris, France, marking his first international trip aboard Nigeria’s newly acquired Airbus A330. The aircraft, which replaces the aging Boeing B737-700 (BBJ) bought during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, represents a significant upgrade in the presidential fleet.

The decision to replace the 19-year-old Boeing was driven by concerns over its safety and cost efficiency. The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee had conducted an investigative hearing that highlighted the plane’s frequent malfunctions and escalating maintenance expenses. A notable incident involved the aircraft malfunctioning during a trip to Saudi Arabia, raising alarms about its reliability.

Acquired at a price significantly below market value, the new Airbus A330 is expected to save Nigeria millions of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs annually. The plane boasts advanced avionics, a customized interior, and a state-of-the-art communications system, offering enhanced comfort and operational efficiency for presidential travels.

As President Tinubu embarks on this visit to France, the transition to the new aircraft signals a commitment to both safety and fiscal responsibility in the management of Nigeria’s presidential fleet.