Daud Olatunji
Nigeria might be spending over $22 million annually on the maintenance of its presidential fleet, a recent report reveals.
According to The Sun, the extensive maintenance costs for the country’s ten aircraft, which support the President’s domestic and international travel, are drawing attention.
The presidential fleet includes a diverse array of aircraft: a 19-year-old Boeing Business Jet (B737 BBJ) registered as 5N-FGT, a Gulfstream 550 (G550) under the registration 5N-FGW, a Gulfstream (GV) with registration 5N-FGS, two Falcons (FAL 7X) identified as 5N-FGV and 5N-FGU, a Bombardier Challenger (CL605) marked as 5N-FGZ, two AgustaWestlands 189 (AW189) with the numbers 5N-FG1 and 5N-FG2, and two AgustaWestlands 139 (AW139) registered as NAF540 and NAF541.
Weekly maintenance for these aircraft is performed domestically, while more comprehensive annual Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) occurs abroad, with exceptions for the AW189 and AW139, which are serviced by Caverton Helicopters, the sole AgustaWestlands representative in West Africa.
Abednego Galadima, President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), explained that the cost for a C-check on the B737 BBJ ranges between $300,000 and $350,000.
Additionally, annual operating costs for the AW139 and AW189 are estimated at $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively.
Aircraft engineer Peter Duniya elaborated on the maintenance requirements, emphasizing that the cost includes fuel, engine upkeep, crew expenses, and airframe maintenance.
He said for instance, the B737 BBJ, a high-priority aircraft often used for international travel, requires a substantial annual maintenance budget of approximately $3.5 million.
He added that the Gulfstream G550 incurs a total annual cost of around $3.45 million, while the Bombardier Challenger 605 costs approximately $3.07 million per year.
Duniya also noted that maintenance costs are influenced by the aircraft’s age and usage, with older models like the B737 BBJ requiring more expensive checks and repairs.
He stated that despite the high costs, the maintenance of these aircraft is crucial for ensuring the President’s safe and efficient travel.
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