THE federal government, has officially placed the country’s Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ) up for sale in Switzerland, marking the end of nearly two decades of service for the aircraft that has long served as the presidential jet.
The decision follows the recent induction of a more modern Airbus A330 into the presidential fleet, News Point Nigeria reports.
According to aircraft listing platform; The Controller, the Boeing BBJ is currently stationed at AMAC Aerospace in Basel, Switzerland, undergoing inspection and sale preparations.
AMAC, a private aviation maintenance and completion firm, is also reported to have facilitated the acquisition and retrofitting of the new Airbus ACJ330-200 that now serves as the presidential aircraft.
Purchased in 2005 during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, the Boeing 737 has clocked just under 4,000 flight hours and completed 1,881 landings. Its cabin is designed with a five-zone configuration, accommodating 33 passengers and eight crew.
The aircraft also features high-end amenities, including a private suite with shower, VIP meeting spaces, and Ka-band internet, along with modern avionics such as ADS-B Out and CPDLC.
Despite undergoing partial refurbishment in July 2024, which included C1-C2 inspections, carpeting, and first-class seating upgrades, the aircraft has been deemed unfit for continued presidential use due to mounting maintenance costs and safety concerns.
In July 2024, the Tinubu administration took delivery of a refurbished Airbus ACJ330-200, registered as 5N-FGA. The aircraft, originally repossessed before being reconfigured, now features a mix of luxury and commercial seating, a presidential bedroom suite, office, and VIP areas.
The transition, however, was not without controversy. An online medium (Not News Point Nigeria) revealed that the cost of the Airbus exceeded ₦150 billion, approximately $100 million at the time, a revelation that triggered criticism from lawmakers and segments of the public already concerned about economic hardship and government excess.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the switch, explaining that the BBJ had become increasingly unreliable and expensive to maintain. He cited a mechanical failure on a previous trip to Saudi Arabia as an example of the growing safety concerns.
The presidency also clarified that while the aircraft had always been well-maintained and stored in hangars, it is no longer covered under any engine maintenance program. Its two CFM56-7BE engines remain “on condition,” meaning they are not backed by performance guarantees, a factor likely to influence its resale value.
Though the market value of the aircraft has not been disclosed, aviation insiders note that its age, limited flight hours, and bespoke interior could still attract interest from private buyers or state governments seeking a long-range VIP jet.
With the listing live and inspections ongoing in Basel, the government is expected to finalize the sale in the coming months, closing the chapter on a jet that has carried multiple presidents over the course of 20 years.
