9 Presidential Aircraft Sold To Reduce Government Expenditure
President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered that nine of
the transport aircrafts in the Presidential fleet to be sold as part of a new
cost reduction initiative.
The Federal Government is spending roughly N12 billion
annually for the maintenance of the Presidential fleet.
The details of the sale were publicly disclosed by a
source who claims awareness of Buhari's mandates and the aviation affairs of
the government.
The source told media that the "nine, which still
have market value, are to be sold immediately to reduce maintenance
costs."
Nigeria's Presidential fleet is one of the biggest in
Africa and is said to be the 3rd largest in Nigeria after the commercial
carriers, Arik Air and Aero Contractors.
Inside information from Nigerian Air Force sources
revealed that the fleet has two Dassault Falcon 900 jets, a Gulfstream IVSP, a
Gulfstream V, a Dornier Do 228, a Beechcraft King Air B200, and three Augusta
Westland AW139 helicopters.
Information on the exact number of aircrafts in the
fleet is classified, but a source has said the there are about 16 aircrafts;
the most important and most prominent one is the Eagle One, used by the
President for travel.
These aircrafts are specifically reserved for the
transport of the Vice-President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of
Representatives, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and can also be used to convey
African Heads of States visiting or departing Nigeria.
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