The Presidency says that the plane used by Jacob Zuma, developed technical problems while he was in Qatar on a state visit.<\/p>\n
“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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed earlier this month, that the government will buy a new VVIP jet for the presidency.<\/p>\n Read: Expert points out why Zuma doesn\u2019t need a new Jet<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In a recent interview on Talk 702<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really foolish in my view; there\u2019s no need to replace Inkwazi\u201d. The plane is a Boeing 737 (BBJ) aircraft, Olivier said, adding\u00a0that the plane was bought brand new.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s only ever been used for VIP flying.\u201d<\/p>\n Olivier stressed\u00a0that there has never been a safety issue with the current jet \u2013 despite reports to the contrary.<\/p>\n There has been much debate about the potential cost of Zuma’s new\u00a0plane. Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula rubbished claims that\u00a0the new plane\u00a0would cost up to R4 billion, as has been quoted in the media.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, Olivier affirmed\u00a0that the cost to replace the current jet was about R4 billion, while the cost of a second hand plane is R2 billion.<\/p>\n Deal for new VIP jet for Zuma moves ahead<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n R4 billion Zuma jet back on the cards after \u2019embarrassing\u2019 old one breaks down<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Zuma jet a \u2018strategic asset\u2019 not a toy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on Inkwazi<\/h3>\n