Nigeria Lists Presidential Boeing 737-700(BBJ) for Sale

The Nigerian government has placed its presidential jet, a 19.1-year-old VIP-configured Boeing 737-700(BBJ), on the market. The sale price remains undisclosed, with the advertisement currently circulating online.

The jet, registered as 5N-FGT (msn 34260), was recently transferred from Abuja to Basel/Mulhouse/Freiburg in Switzerland on March 25. Delivered to the Nigerian government in July 2005, this aircraft has been under the operation of the Nigerian Air Force (NGR, Lagos) throughout its service.

Recent maintenance records, as listed, show that the aircraft received comprehensive B1 (mechanics – engines and airframes) and B2 (avionics – instrumentation, electrical/electronic equipment) inspections, alongside C1 and C2 maintenance conducted by AMAC Aerospace in Basel in July 2024. The aircraft, powered by two CFM International CFM56 engines, has logged 3,821 flying hours and 1,881 landings to date.

The interior of the Boeing 737-700(BBJ) is designed to accommodate 41 individuals, comprising 33 passengers and eight crew members, across a five-zone cabin seating layout. The VIP configuration includes nine first-class and 18 business-class seats, enhanced with a stateroom equipped with a shower, and a VIP lounge. A partial refurbishment in 2024 upgraded its first and business-class seats, emphasizing luxury and comfort.

As reported by ch-aviation, this sale follows the Nigerian federal government’s acquisition of a foreclosed ACJ330-200, VP-CAC (msn 1053), re-registered as 5N-FGA, replacing the Boeing. This shift comes on the heels of recommendations from the Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The committee advised the acquisition of new aircraft for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima due to the high maintenance costs and operational challenges associated with the current presidential fleet. This fleet, managed by the Nigerian Air Force but overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser, includes a 13-year-old Gulfstream Aerospace G55, a Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, a Hawker 4000, and a Challenger 605. However, three of these aircraft are reportedly unserviceable and will also be sold.

The decision to sell the Boeing 737-700(BBJ) reflects ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline the operational efficiency of Nigeria’s presidential transport fleet.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com