Air transports of heads of state
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Some nations maintain one or more special aircraft to transport their heads of state and government. One in particular has been immortalised in popular culture: Air Force One, used by the President of the United States and operated by the United States Air Force.
Contents: A B C E F G I J K M N O P R S T U V Z – Notes
[edit] Argentina
The Agrupación Aérea Presidencial (Spanish for Presidential Air Group) is the Head of State Air Transport Unit of Argentina. A Boeing 757 is currently the Tango 01, or presidential transport.
[edit] Australia
In 2002, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) acquired two new Boeing Business Jets (BBJ's are custom configured Boeing 737's) fitted with facilities such as conference tables, offices suites, secure satellite and communication capabilities for use by Australian officials, especially the Australian Monarch, Governor-General, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The two planes have a longer range than is standard for Boeing Business Jets. The Prime Minister regularly uses the jets for both domestic and international travel.
The aircraft are also made available to the Royal Family (when in Australia), and were recently utilised by Prince Charles in 2005 and the Queen in 2006. The planes are operated by the No. 34 Squadron RAAF (which also operates a number of smaller VIP aircraft), based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra. Prior to the acquisition of the 737s, the Prime Minister flew in custom-configured Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707s. These aircraft were larger than the 737s currently in use. The Royal Australian Airforce also operates a fleet of VIP Bombardier Challenger aircraft.
All RAAF aircraft that carry the Governor-General, members of the Royal Family or the Prime Minister all carry a callsign, "Commonwealth One" while on operational flight.
[edit] Bahrain
The Bahrain Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 747SP for use by the King of Bahrain.
[edit] Belarus
The airline Belavia operates a Boeing Business Jet (Registered EW-001PA), and a Tupolev Tu-154M on behalf of the government for use of the President and Prime Minister.
The plane, instead of being painted sky blue as normal Belavia planes, it is painted in red and green. These colors are derived from the national flag. The Russian and Belarusian name of the country, "Беларусь," appears near the door on both sides in red. On the tail-fin of the plane, the national emblem appears in full color.
[edit] Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Aviodetachment-28 of the Bulgarian Air Force operates a Tupolev Tu-154, Dassault Falcon 2000, and a Mil Mi-8 helicopter for use by the President and Prime Minister and other government officials.
[edit] Brazil
Brazil has had presidential aircraft since 1941, when Getulio Vargas purchased a Lockheed Lodestar. In 1959, president Juscelino Kubitschek replaced it with two Vickers Viscounts. In 1967, Artur da Costa e Silva acquired a BAC-111, which was used until 1976, when president Ernesto Geisel replaced it with two Boeing 737-200. In 1986, the Brazilian Air Force refitted one of its four KC-137 (a military version of the Boeing 707, like the KC-135) to serve as the presidential aircraft.
This KC-137 was used until May of 2003, when president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva replaced it for a brand new, customized and highly expensive Airbus A319 Corporate Jetliner.
That customized model of the Airbus A319 was named "Santos-Domont", after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and was nicknamed by critics of the purchase as "Aero-Lula". When the aircraft is trasporting the President of Brazil it uses the callsign FAB Uno (Brazilian Air Force One).
The A318 that serves as FAB Uno is considered a military aircraft and is part of the Special Transport Group', a squadron of the Brazilian Air Force charged with the transportation by air of the president, the vice-president and senior ministers of the Brazilian Government. Along with the "Santos Dumont" Airbus, that is used primarily for international or long-distance domestic travel by the president, the squadron also includes 21 other aircraft:
- Two VIP-configured Boeing 737-2N3 (VC-96) used for presidential travel within Brazil.
- Two VIP-configured Eurocopter Super Puma (VH-34) presidential helicopters.
- Two VIP-configured Embraer ERJ-145 (VC-99C) aircraft.
- Ten Embraer ERJ-145 (C-99A) aircraft.
- Two Helibrás HB-355 Esquilo (VH-55) helicopters.
- Three Gates Learjet 35 (VU-35) jets.
The fleet is headquartered at the Brasília Air Force Base (BABR).
[edit] Brunei
The Sultan of Brunei has several private planes in VIP configuration to bring him and others abroad.
- Boeing B767-27G(ER) V8-MHB
- Boeing B747-430 V8-ALI
- Airbus A310-304 V8-DPD
- Airbus A340-211 V8-AM1
- Airbus A340-213X (A340-8000) V8-AC3
- Airbus A340-212 V8-BKH
- Airbus A340-213 V8-JBB
- Gulfstream V V8-001
- Gulfstream V V8-007
- Gulfstream IV V8-008
- Gulfstream IV V8-SR1
- Sikorsky S-76+ V8-HB1
- Sikorsky S-76+ V8-HB2
[edit] Burkina Faso
A Boeing 707-328C XT-BBF, operated by the state airline Naganagani, is used to transport the President of Burkina Faso.
[edit] Canada
The Canadian Forces Air Command's operates five Airbus A310-300s (CC-150 Polaris), and four Bombardier Challenger 604 business jets (CC-144), flown by crews of 437 Transport Squadron, based at 8 Wing, Trenton, Ontario, part of Air Transport Group, along with 412 Squadron in Ottawa. These planes are charged with flying the Canadian Monarch, Governor General, the Prime Minister, and high ranking government officials, as well as members of the Canadian Royal Family, and foreign dignitaries.[1][2]
[edit] People's Republic of China
Air transportation for the President or government officials of the People's Republic of China is operated by Air China, the national carrier. A specific Boeing 747-400 is usually used for long distance trips, a Boeing 767 is used for mid-haul trips, and a Boeing 737-800 is used for short distance trips.
A Boeing 767 was purchased by the Chinese government for use by President Jiang Zemin in 2000. This Boeing 767 was originally ordered by Delta Air Lines. An international incident occurred in 2001 when the government claimed it had discovered 27 bugs embedded in the aircraft's interior; the plane had been refitted in San Antonio, Texas and now operates as a normal civil airliner of Air China.
[edit] Colombia
In 1933 Colombia acquired its first presidential transport airplane, a Junkers Ju 52/3M, one of the most advanced aircraft of that time. It served former Colombian president Enrique Olaya Herrera until its retirement from service in 1950. From 1953 to 1972 a DouglassC-54 Skymaster, served as presidential airplane during the dictatorship of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla.
In 1972 a new Fokker F28 1000 model became the presidential airplane during the mandate of Misael Pastrana Borrero. This aircraft is notorious because during Ernesto Samper Pizano's presidency, in September 22, 1996, three kilograms of heroin were found hidden inside the plane, hours before departing to New York City, where President Samper would address to the United Nations General Assembly. The incident was grave because the United States had canceled Samper's visa for having alleged connections to drug barons who financed his political campaign. Finally, Samper travelled to the United States with a diplomatic visa and in a rented plane.
In 2005, the new president Alvaro Uribe Velez urged Congress to purchase a new aircraft due to safety and environmental concerns. After 33 years of service the airplane was almost obsolete and very noisy. In many occasions the plane nearly collided while transporting the president. Colombians nicknamed it the Presidential Coffee Pot. The aircraft was penalized more than once for violating decibel airport standards and sometimes even prohibited from landing also due to environmental contamination.
Eventually, the Fokker was retired from service and in July 2005, Colombia acquired a Boeing 737-700 BBJ for presidential transport. Its code name is FAC 0001 or Fuerza Aerea Colombiana 0001 (Colombian Air Force 0001).
[edit] Ecuador
Ecuador currently uses a Hawker Siddeley HS-748 (FAE-739) and a Rockwell Sabreliner 40D (FAE-047) for presidential transport. Aircraft from the flag-carrier airline TAME's fleet, including Boeing 727s, Fokker F28s, and Embraer E-Jets can also be drafted for government use.
[edit] El Salvador
El Salvador's president Tony Saca currently uses a deluxe version of the UH-1H helicopter for local flights. He also has military planes, helicopters and a presidential turboprop for his use. For international flights, a TACA Airbus A320 with the callsign "EL SALVADOR" is used.
[edit] France
France's officials travel with the Escadron de transport, d'entraînement et de calibrage (ETEC, "Transportation, training and calibration squadron"), a unit under direct orders of the Ministry of Defence. The ETEC uses 6 Dassault Falcon 900 for travels within Europe, and 2 Airbus A319 for medium or long range flights. 2 Airbus A340-200 aircraft have recently been acquired from Austrian Airlines for long range flights.
Air France chartered flights are also used by French officials, most notably the Concorde when it was still in service with that airline.
[edit] Gambia
Gambia used an Il-62 for their VIP flights.
[edit] Germany
Germany's senior government officials use two Airbus 310-304 aircraft, previously of East Germany's Interflug, redesigned as Airbus 310 VIP by Lufthansa Technik for medium and long distance travel. The airplanes are named after Konrad Adenauer, after the first chancellor of (West) Germany, and Theodor Heuss, after Germany's first President.
Additionally, the German air force's Special Air Mission Wing Federal Ministry of Defence (Flugbereitschaft) operates six Challenger 601 jets and three Eurocopter Cougar AS532 helicopters to handle the transportation needs of representatives of the German Government, Parliament and Military.
[edit] Greece
Greece's prime minister has a Gulfstream V at his disposal, which is under the operational command of the Hellenic Air Force. The airplane was bought by the government of Costas Simitis for the needs of Greece's 2003 EU presidency and the preparations of the 2004 Olympic Games.
Two other aircraft used over the last two decades for the same purpose raised controversy. A Dassault Falcon 900, had a range of technical problems culminating to an accident that cost the life of the deputy minister of foreign affairs Giannos Kranidiotis and five other persons due to severe in-flight pitch oscillations 20 minutes before landing at Bucharest on September 9, 1999.[3] Falcon's problems prompted in 1992 the government of Constantine Mitsotakis to replace it with a refitted Boeing 727 amid charges of extravagant costs. The next government of Andreas Papandreou duly converted the Boeing 727 into a charter plane in 1994.
[edit] India
The government of India uses Air India and Indian Airlines for the overseas transportation of Government officials. The aircraft with the callsign AI 001 is a special Boeing 747-237B plane operated by Air India to transport the Prime Minister and President of India. Tanjore is also the name of Air India One.Other Union cabinet members may travel in AI 001 with the Prime Minister's consent.
Additionally, the government has purchased three Boeing Business Jets (BBJ). The induction of the aircraft into the VVIP fleet will give the option of flying 10-30 people non-stop between India and the UK and Tokyo and Mumbai, among other destinations. The aircraft will be fitted with a missile-deflecting security system.[citation needed] Each aircraft is likely to cost the government about US$60 million.[citation needed]
[edit] Ireland
The Irish Government uses a number of jets to transport the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach and Cabinet Ministers. The Irish Air Corps maintains the Governmental fleet - consisting of; a Learjet 45, a Gulfstream IV and a Beechcraft King Air.
[edit] Italy
The Italian Air Force operates three Airbus Corporate Jets. One Airbus is equipped with 30 seats for use by the Prime Minister or President, the others aircraft has 50 seats for use of government officials. Four smaller Dassault Falcon 50 and five Dassault Falcon 900 are also used for government transport. Two Agusta SH-3D Sea Kings are operated for use by the President and Government officials and are also used by the Pope. All aircraft and helicopters are opereted by the 31st Storm based in Rome Ciampino airport.
[edit] Japan
Japan maintains two 747-47C (20-1101 and 20-1102) aircraft for the Prime Minister, the Emperor and Empress of Japan (after 1993, the era of HIM Empreror Akihito and HIM Empress Michiko), and other government officials via the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The planes' paint schemes consist of the word "Japan" spelled out in Japanese kanji (spelled "日本国") and English on the fuselage, a red and gold stripe painted across the windows from nose to tail, and the hinomaru (sun) symbol on the tail and both wings.[4]
The two aircraft are based at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo, but generally operate from Tokyo International Airport, the centrally-located domestic airport in Tokyo most commonly known as "Haneda Airport".
[edit] Kazakhstan
The Government of Kazakhstan uses a Boeing 767 for transport.
[edit] Kenya
Kenya's president has a Fokker 70 for use as the presidential jet. The aircraft was purchased new in 1995 by the government for Kenya's 2nd president, Daniel arap Moi. The purchase was widely criticised[citation needed] as a waste of resources considering Kenya's low GDP, high debts, poor roads and high levels of poverty.
Parliamentary approval was not obtained to acquire the then-latest Fokker executive plane at a cost of $50 million. The 70-seater jet was reconfigured into a 28-seater, with three suites, bathroom and kitchen. It is equipped with the latest telecommunication facilities.
Prior to the purchase of the Fokker, Moi primarily used British Airways for his international travel.
[edit] Mexico
Mexico's President uses a Boeing 757 built in 1987 exclusively for this purpose. The plane's official name when president is inboard, is TP-01, which stands for Transporte Presidencial 1, and it is used only for long distance trips. For medium range trips, he uses either a Boeing 737-300 (TP-02) or a Boeing 737-322 (TP-03). For short range trips he uses a Super Puma VIP edition called TPH-01 which stands for Transporte Presidencial Helicoptero 1. The current presidential fleet as of 2006 is as follows:
| Aircraft | Registration | Code Name |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 757-225 | XC-UJM | TP-01 |
| Boeing 737-300 | XC-UJB | TP-02 |
| Boeing 737-322 | XC-LJG | TP-03 |
| Gulfstream III | XC-UJN | TP-06 |
| Gulfstream III | XC-UJO | TP-07 |
| Learjet 35A | XC-IPP | TP-104 |
| Turbocommander 69 5A | XC-UTA | TP-216 |
| Super Puma AS332 | XC-UHV | TPH-01 |
| Super Puma AS332 | XC-UHU | TPH-02 |
| Super Puma AS332 | XC-UHO | TPH-03 |
| Super Puma AS332 | XC-UHM | TPH-05 |
| Super Puma AS332 | XC-UHP | TPH-06 |
| Puma SA330 | XC-UHC | TPH-08 |
| Puma SA330 | XC-UHA | TPH-09 |
[edit] Malaysia
Malaysia's Prime Minister and the Royal Family travel in a Boeing Business Jet operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force with the serial number M53-01.The callsign of the plane is PutraSatu. The BBJ was purchased in 2003 from Malaysia Airlines who operated it with the registration number 9M-BBJ.[5]
[edit] Moldova
The airline Air Moldova operates a Yakovlev Yak-40 on behalf of the Moldovan Government, for use of the President and Prime Minister.
[edit] Netherlands, Kingdom of the
The Dutch government operates a Fokker 70 (F28-0070) as a means of transport for the Dutch Royal family and government officials, such as the prime minister and other ministers. It is used to attend international conferences, but also for trips by the queen and the prince royal. The callsign is PH-KBX; PH for the Netherlands and KBX for 'Koningin BeatriX' or 'Queen Beatrice'. The aircraft is maintained by Martinair.
[edit] New Zealand
The Royal New Zealand Airforce maintain 2 Boeing 757-200 which are occasionally used to transport the New Zealand Monarch, other members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, and other government officials. As multi-role aircraft they are more often used as transport aircraft for troops or freight. Generally the Prime Minister and government officials use commercial or chartered flights (with Air New Zealand where available) to travel both domestically and internationally.
[edit] Nigeria
The Nigerian Air Force currently maintains a Boeing Business Jet (737) as a means of transport for the President of Nigeria. The plane is marked NAF-001. The national colors of the Nigerian Flag (Green, White, Green), are painted in long vertical stripes along the base of the white fuselage, the words "NIGERIAN AIR FORCE" are tagged on the top, and the Seal of the President of Nigeria is embossed on the tail.
[edit] Norway
The air transport of the King and Prime Minister of Norway is mostly handled by normal airliners (such as Scandinavian Airlines) with the VIPs travelling as normal passengers. However the Norwegian government will charter small private jets for government ministers when needed. The Royal Norwegian Air Force 717 Squadron at Rygge Air Station also maintain one Dassault Falcon 20 for VIP-transport of the royal family, ministers and armed forces senior staff.
[edit] Oman
The Oman Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-400, Boeing 747SP, two Gulfstream IVs and an Airbus A320. These are used by the Sultan of Oman and members of his government.
[edit] Pakistan, Islamic Republic of
Pakistan Government Transport, the government carrier, currently operates an Airbus A310 and one new Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Gulfstream IV-SP to transport government officials for the President and Prime Minister's use. The plane is commonly called "PAK ONE", the callsign under which it operates.
Before it came into service, Boeing 707s[1] had served as the primary presidential aircraft. President Muhammad Zia-ul-haq used a LockheedC-130B [2] for his trips.
Ex-Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto used a Boeing 737[3] for their official trips. The airliner was maintained by Pakistan Government Transport. The Pakistan Air Force plans to purchase a Gulfstream V for transportation of high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries. These aircraft are based at Chaklala Airbase near the capital city of Islamabad.
[edit] Peru
While a fleet of elderly DC-8s are maintained by the Peruvian Air Force, FAA repair station,"SEMAN" and Central Purchasing , the official aircraft of the President of Peru is a Boeing 737-500. It was purchased under dubious circumstances; then-president Alberto Fujimori's brother Santiago Fujimori was criminally charged for 'recommending' the multi-million dollar investment, which was seen as a frivolous purchase for a third-world country such as Peru.[citation needed]
The aircraft's current livery sports the Flag of Peru on the vertical fin, a white fuselage with a black underbelly with red pinstripes, and the words "Republica del Peru" adorning the front, with the Coat of Arms of Peru displayed on the side. Its Peruvian Air Force designator is FAP 356.
[edit] The Philippines
The 250th (Presidential) Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force has the mandate of providing them safe and efficient air transport for the President of the Philippines and the First Family. On occasion, the wing has also been tasked to provide transportation for other members of government, visiting heads of state, and other state guests.
The fleet includes: 1 Fokker F28, which is primarily used for the President's domestic trips, 4 Bell 412 helicopters, 3 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, 2 Aérospatiale SA-330 Puma helicopters, 1 Sikorsky S-70-5 Black Hawk, a number of Bell UH-1N Hueys, as well as Fokker F-27 Friendships. For trips outside of the Philippines, the Air Force employs a Bombardier Learjet 60 or charters appropriate aircraft from Philippine Airlines. Prior to 1962, the Air Force chartered aircraft from Pan American World Airways as the international services of Philippine Airlines were suspended. For short-haul flights, Boeing 737s were initially used and have since been replaced by the Airbus A320. For medium- to long-haul flights, Boeing 747-400s were initially used; their roles are now being fulfilled by the Airbus A340-300. The aircraft with the callsign PR 001 is a special plane operated by Philippine Airlines to transport the President of the Philippines.
[edit] Poland
The Polish Air Force maintains two modified TU-154s to transport the President (aircraft tail number 101) and Prime Minister (102). Additionally a number of Yak-40s and Mi-8 helicopters are used for domestic transportation.
[edit] Romania
Romania operates one Boeing 707, YR-ABB, used by the President and one BAC 1-11, YR-BRE used mostly by the Prime-Minister. Also a SA-365 Dauphin is used for internal transport.
[edit] Russian Federation
The Russian State Transport Company operates two Ilyushin Il-96-300s for use of the President of Russia.[6]
At least one of the aircraft was refitted as a VIP transport in 2001 by a British company for a price of GBP 10 million. As pictures leaked to the Internet in 2007 indicate, the luxurious refit included gold-plated bathroom fittings, marble floors, silk-lined walls and other expensive amenities.[7]
[edit] Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabian Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-300 (Registered HZ-HM1A), for use by the King of Saudi Arabia.
[edit] Serbia
The Avio Service of Serbia is responsible for transporting of the Serbian President, the Prime Minister and other Serbian government officials. It operates a Dassault Falcon 50 (YU-BNA) and a Learjet 31A (YU-BNZ). The government sometimes also uses a Yak-40s aircraft of the Serbian Air Force.
[edit] Slovakia
The Slovak Government Flying Service operates two Tupolev Tu-154s, two Yakovlev Yak-40s and number of helicopters for use by the President of Slovakia, Prime Minister of Slovakia and government officials.
[edit] South Africa
The President of South Africa travels in a Boeing 737-7ED (BBJ) operated by the South African Air Force's 21 Squadron, which is based at AFB Waterkloof in the nation's capital city.
[edit] Spain
The Spanish Air Force (Spanish: Ejercito del Aire) operates two customized Airbus A310 and few Falcon 20 and Falcon 900 for transportation of the King of Spain, the Royal Family members, and high ranking government members. These transportation services are provided by the 45 Group, based in Torrejón Air Base, 22 kilometers from Madrid.
[edit] Sweden
The Swedish Air Force Transport Squadron Bromma (Stockholm) operates the State Flight (Swedish: Statsflyget). It forms part of the Special Flying Unit (Swedish: Specialflygenheten Malmen), which in its turn is a part of the Blekinge Wing (F 17). Currently it operates two Gulfstream G.IV aircraft:
- Air Force type TP102A (tail no. 102001, call sign SVF 21)
- Air Force type TP102C (tail no. 102004, call sign SVF 24)
The aircraft serve the transport needs of the royal family, the cabinet, and the Armed Forces headquarters.
[edit] Switzerland
The Swiss Air Force operates a fleet of three small VIP transport aircraft:
- one Dassault Falcon 50 (T-783)
- one Cessna 560 XL Citation Excel (T-784)
- one Super King Air (T-721)
These aircraft are mainly used by members of the Swiss Federal Council. The 6th Air Transport Squadron (Lufttransportstaffel 6) also operates a number of Super Puma helicopters, some of which are configured as VIP transports for domestic use.
[edit] Taiwan (Republic of China)
Air transportation for the President or other high-ranking officials of the Republic of China is operated by the Republic of China Air Force using a customized Boeing 737-800 , registration #3701 delivered from Boeing in 2001. This aircraft is not usually permitted to fly to countries without diplomatic relations with the ROC. Instead, a Boeing 747 operated by Taiwan's national airline, China Airlines, is used for long-haul trips by the President and his staff.
[edit] Thailand
The Royal Thai Air Force's 602 Royal Guard Squadron operates a Airbus A310-300 and a Boeing 737-200 as VIP transports. They will be assigned as secondary aircraft and replaced by Boeing 737-800 in late 2006. The Royal Thai Government uses an Airbus A319CJ named "Thai Ku Fah" for government flights.
The Royal Thai Air Force's 402 Royal Guard Squadron, a helicopter unit, uses Bell 412STs for Royal flights. The helicopters are expected to be replaced, as they are approaching the lifetime limit for VIP duty.[citation needed]
[edit] Turkey
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey uses a specially configured Airbus A319-115X CJ. The call sign for this aircraft when the Prime Minister is aboard is TC-ANA (English: Turkish Republic-MAIN). [4] The Turkish Prime Minister also has at his or her disposal several VIP Boeing and Airbus aircraft which are maintained by Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of the Turkish Republic.
The President of the Republic of Turkey uses a Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV VIP Jet, but again has several special VIP aircraft of Turkish Airlines at his or her disposal.
All government VIP aircraft are manned and maintained by Turkish government or military personnel.
[edit] Turkmenistan
A Boeing 767-300ER (EZ-A700) was delivered in October 2004 for use of the President of Turkmenistan.
[edit] United Kingdom
Air transport for the British monarch, other members of Royal Family, the Prime Minister and other minister of the British Government is currently provided by No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron of the Royal Air Force (RAF); chartered civilian aircraft; and scheduled commercial flights. No. 32 Squadron's executive transport role is secondary to its principal function of providing communications and logistical support for military operations.
Given the security concerns of chartering commercial aircraft, the government plans to acquire two dedicated executive transports for the use of the Royal Family and Government (dubbed Blair Force One by the media, in reference to British Prime Minister Tony Blair).
[edit] United States
The President of the United States uses two customized Boeing 747-200B jetliners. These aircraft carry the military designation VC-25A.
The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the President is called that military branch name followed by "One", such as Air Force One or Marine One (which is typically associated with a helicopter).
[edit] Uruguay
The President of Uruguay, Tabare Vazquez, uses an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, operated by the Uruguayan Air Force for flights within South America or a chartered Pluna Boeing 767 for long-distance flights.
[edit] Vatican
Whenever the Pope flies on a plane, it is nicknamed "Shepherd One".[8] Typically, it is a chartered Alitalia Jet, however, the nickname follows the Pope to smaller craft when necessary to land at small airports. The tradition is for the Pope to fly to the country he is visiting on a chartered Alitalia jet and to return on a jet belonging to a flag carrier from the visited nation.
[edit] Venezuela
An Airbus A319CJ serves as the presidential transport for President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez [5].
[edit] Yugoslavia (former)
Former Yugoslav president Tito used many aircraft as presidential during his term. The most notable aircraft types in service were the DC-6B, Il-18D, Caravelle and 727.
[edit] Zaire
Perhaps one of the most controversial air transports for a head of state was that of Zaire leader Mobuto Sese Seko, who leased a supersonic Concorde in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The jet, obtained from Air France, was based at Gbadolite and was not only used for diplomatic missions but also for European shopping trips for the ruler's wealthy family. There was also a Boeing 707 (registration number 9T-MSS) that was used for a while and is stored in Lisbon since 1996, as well as a Boeing 727 (9Q-RDZ).[citation needed]
[edit] References
- ^ Canadian Air Forces CC-150 Polaris information
- ^ Canadian Air Forces. CC-144 Challenger information
- ^ Pope, Stephen, Aviation International News Olympic Airways Falcon 900 fatal blamed on pilot error
- ^ Airliners.net. Photo of both Japanese B-747 aircraft parked on ramp
- ^ Airliners.net. Photo of the Royal Malaysian Air Force Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) M53-01 at Kota Bharu Airport
- ^ Image on Airliners.net
- ^ "Vladimir Putin's Airforce Oneski", Daily Mail], 5 February 2007.
- ^ Campbell, Duncan. "Prime minister's plane: Blair Force One cleared for takeoff: PM and Queen to get dedicated official aircraft, to dismay of opposition parties and green campaigners", The Guardian, Guardian Newspapers, 2006-06-21, p. 3. Retrieved on February 2, 2007. “The papal jet is often dubbed "Shepherd One"”
