FG Reduces Fleet To 6, Handovers Two Presidential Aircraft To Nigeria Airforce.

 

 

The Federal Government has handed over two aircraft in the presidential fleet to the Nigerian Airforce.
The brief handing over ceremony took place at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The handover of the two Agusta Westland AW101 helicopters acquired on 20 Oct 2014 and 21 May 2015 respectively, effectively brings the presidential air fleet to six. The Federal Government had earlier advertised for the sale of the Falcon 7x 1 and Hawker 4000 aircrafts in the fleet.
The two aircraft being handed over today possess Ballistics defence capabilities, and are equipped against certain forms of missile attacks.
Receiving the helicopters from the National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall Abubakar said “It is with a big sense of appreciation that I accept these helicopters into the Air Force.”
He said one of the helicopters will be configured and deployed as an Air Ambulance, while the second one will be deployed as a Troop Carrier.
“The two Helicopters will be immediately reconfigured and deployed to the Northeast for the use of Nigerian troops.”
“The Air Ambulance will carry a Trauma Unit to ensure that injured troops get immediate medical assistance during airlift”
He added that “These helicopters are some of the most sophisticated, most comfortable and most equipped in the world.”