Three jets from the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) are set to be sold as part of cost-saving measures under the Tinubu Administration, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The PAF currently comprises 10 aircraft, including six jets and four helicopters. However, if the plan goes ahead, the fleet will be reduced to seven aircraft.
During President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, there were previous attempts to sell two planes from the fleet, namely a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet, in October 2016. However, the sale did not materialize as the preferred bidders’ offer was rejected by the government.
Subsequently, an alternative plan was initiated to lease some of the aircraft to interested governors, aiming to generate income and alleviate government expenses on maintenance.
Among the aircraft in the fleet are Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101. The BBJ 737, known as the Nigerian Air Force One, is exclusively used by the President, designed to serve as both an office and residential quarters during trips.
While the fate of the President’s BBJ 737 remains uncertain, plans include selling a Falcon and Embraer jets.
Over the years, substantial sums, totaling approximately N80 billion, have been allocated for the maintenance of the PAF. President Tinubu has expressed concern over the escalating maintenance costs, prompting the decision to downsize the fleet.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President is uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintaining the planes.
“Three planes have been pencilled down for disposal.
“The main reason is cutting down high maintenance costs.
“I think officers in PAF were particularly concerned about the frequency of maintenance and how much it costs the nation.
“The President decided to let off the aircraft that constitute the most burdensome.”
An investigation confirmed that the presidency might have incurred over $5 million as maintenance fees in the past few months.
It was unclear the actual figure of outstanding commitments on the fleet which have not been settled.
Giving reasons for the use of some of the planes by top government officials, a source said: “It takes much time to connect some African countries by air. In such a situation, the Presidential Air Fleet is handy.
“The use of the fleet is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for effective management.”
Last week, President Tinubu in another cost-saving measure imposed a three-month travel ban on public-funded foreign trips by Federal Government officials.
This takes effect from today.
