Tinubu Administration Moves to Slim Down Presidential Air Fleet, Eyes Sale of Three Jets

The Tinubu Administration has unveiled plans to reduce the size of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) by selling off three jets.

This decision comes as part of a broader effort to optimize government resources and trim unnecessary costs.

The PAF currently comprises six jets and four helicopters, but the administration seeks to downsize the fleet to seven aircraft pending approval.

Previous attempts to sell off two aircraft during President Buhari’s tenure encountered obstacles, with offers falling short of the government’s expectations.

Among the aircraft in the PAF are Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101.

While the fate of the BBJ 737 remains uncertain, the administration has identified Falcon and Embraer jets as potential candidates for sale.

The decision to slim down the fleet underscores concerns over escalating maintenance costs, which have amounted to an estimated budget of N80 billion over various fiscal years.

Recent maintenance fees alone may have exceeded $5 million, prompting President Tinubu’s directive to trim the fleet.

In addition to the aircraft sale, President Tinubu has imposed a three-month ban on publicly-funded foreign trips by Federal Government officials, effective immediately, as part of efforts to curb expenditures.

These measures reflect the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and resource optimization amidst prevailing economic challenges.