Zuma jet breaks down, again
The Presidency says that the plane used by Jacob Zuma, developed technical problems while he was in Qatar on a state visit.
“The aircraft used by the President, Inkwazi, developed technical problems in Qatar resulting in the use of an alternative aircraft to return to Pretoria,” the presidency said in a statement.
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed earlier this month, that the government will buy a new VVIP jet for the presidency.
Read: Expert points out why Zuma doesn’t need a new Jet
In a recent interview on Talk 702, Darren Olivier, senior correspondent at African Defence Review said that the president’s plane is only 15 years old, and is currently flying far less than equivalent jets in the commercial airline market.
“It’s really foolish in my view; there’s no need to replace Inkwazi”. The plane is a Boeing 737 (BBJ) aircraft, Olivier said, adding that the plane was bought brand new.
“It’s only ever been used for VIP flying.”
Olivier stressed that there has never been a safety issue with the current jet – despite reports to the contrary.
There has been much debate about the potential cost of Zuma’s new plane. Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula rubbished claims that the new plane would cost up to R4 billion, as has been quoted in the media.
She said the department had never mentioned the cost of the aircraft, and she did not know where the R4 billion figure had come from.
However, Olivier affirmed that the cost to replace the current jet was about R4 billion, while the cost of a second hand plane is R2 billion.
More on Inkwazi
Deal for new VIP jet for Zuma moves ahead
R4 billion Zuma jet back on the cards after ’embarrassing’ old one breaks down
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