Air transports of heads of state and government

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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.

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Contents: A B C D E F G I J K M N O P R S T U V Z – Notes

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[edit] Argentina

Main article: Agrupación Aérea Presidencial

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. Two Fokker F28 aircraft are known as the Tango 02 and the Tango 03. Also a Sikorsky S76+ and a Learjet 55 for VIP transport.

[edit] Australia

See also: Royal Australian Air Force VIP aircraft

No. 34 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the current VIP fleet of two 737 Boeing Business Jets and three Challenger 604s for use by Australian officials; in particular the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs. The aircraft are regularly used for both domestic and international travel and are also made available to the British Royal Family when they visit Australia.

The two BBJs were acquired on a 13 year lease in 2002 and are fitted with facilities such as conference tables, offices suites and secure satellite and communication capabilities. The two planes also have a longer range than is standard for 737 Boeing Business Jets. Both the BBJs and Challengers are based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra and are maintained by Qantas Defence Services.

[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] Botswana

The Botswana Defence Force operates a Gulfstream IV as a VIP transport.

[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

Main article: FAB 001

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-Dumont", after Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, and was nicknamed by critics of the purchase as "Aero-Lula". When the aircraft is transporting the President of Brazil it uses the callsign FAB 001 (Brazilian Air Force One).

The Airbus A319 that serves as FAB 001 is considered a military aircraft and is part of the Grupo de Transporte Especial (Special Transport Group in English), a group of the Brazilian Air Force charged with the transportation by air of the president, the vice-president and senior ministers of the Brazilian Government. This group have three squadrons: GTE-1, GTE-2 and GTE-3. Along with the "Santos Dumont" Airbus, that is used primarily for international or long-distance domestic travel by the president (used in GTE-1), the group also includes 21 other aircraft:

• Two VIP-configured Boeing 737-2N3 (VC-96) used for presidential travel within Brazil (GTE-1).
• Two VIP-configured Eurocopter Super Puma (VH-34) presidential helicopters used in GTE-3.
• Two VIP-configured Embraer ERJ-145 (VC-99C) aircraft used in GTE-2.
• Ten Embraer ERJ-145 (C-99A) aircraft used in GTE-2.
• Two Helibrás HB-355 Esquilo (VH-55) helicopters used in GTE-3.
• Three Gates Learjet 35 (VU-35) jets used in GTE-2.

The fleet is headquartered at the Brasília Air Force Base (BABR).

[edit] Brunei

The Sultan of Brunei has several private planes in VIP configuration on which to travel internationally.

• Boeing B767-27G(ER) V8-MHB
• Boeing B747-430 V8-ALI
• Airbus A340-212 V8-BKH
• Gulfstream V V8-001
• Gulfstream V V8-007
• Gulfstream IV V8-SR1
• Sikorsky S-76+ V8-HB1
• Sikorsky S-76+ V8-HB2

[edit] Burkina Faso

The government of Burkina Faso uses a special Boeing 727

[edit] Canada

Main article: Canadian Forces VIP aircraft

The Canadian Forces Air Command operates five Airbus A310-300s (CC-150 Polaris), flown by crews of 437 Transport Squadron, based at CFB Trenton, and four Bombardier Challenger business jets (CC-144), operated by 412 Squadron in Ottawa. These planes are charged with flying members of the Canadian Royal Family, Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and other high ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries.^[1][2]

[edit] Chile

The transportation of the Chilean President is under the responsibility of the Chilean Air Force (in Spanish: Fuerza Aérea de Chile). They use a modified Boeing 737-500.

[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] Republic of China (Taiwan)

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] 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] Croatia

The Government Agency is responsible for transporting of the Croatian President, the Prime Minister and other Croatian government officials. It operates a Challenger CL-604.

[edit] Czech Republic

The Czech Air Force operates two Airbus A319, a Bombardier Challenger 600, two Tupolev Tu-154, two Yakovlev Yak-40 airplanes and Mil Mi-8 helicopters for VIP transport, primarily that of the President, Prime Minister, and members of Government and Parliament of the Czech Republic.

[edit] Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Kim Jong Il and other VIPs of the North Korean Government have access to all of the Air Koryo fleet. But currently, Kim Jong Il mostly uses the Ilyushin Il-62M aircraft for international flights.

[edit] Denmark

The Royal Danish Air Force operates three Challenger CL-604 for VIP transport, primarily that of the government and The Danish Royal Family. These airplanes are also used for environmental contol and fishery control around Greenland and the North Sea. Further more the Danish Royal Family have one AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin at their disposal.

[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] Egypt

The Egyptian government operates an Airbus A340-200 (Registered SU-GGG) as a VIP transport. The first presidential Airplane in Egypt was given as a gift from Saudi Arabia to Egyptian President Sadat. Before that, the President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, traveled using a rented airplane from the National Egyptian Air company, Egypt Air. In 1955, and during his trip to attend the first Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia, president Nasser and his accompanying crew used a rental plane from the Indian National Air company.

[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 4 Dassault Falcon 50, 2 Dassault Falcon 900 (F-RAFI and F-RAFJ) for travels within Europe, and 2 Airbus A319 for medium or 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 uses 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 (10+21), after the first chancellor of (West) Germany, and Theodor Heuss (10+22), 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 (registration code 12+01/12+06) and three Eurocopter Cougar AS532 helicopters to handle the transportation needs of representatives of the German Government, Parliament and Military.

In October 2007 it was announced that the six Challenger would be replaced by two Airbus A 319CJ and four Bombardier Global 5000. In March 2008, the Ministry of Defense announced the intent to buy two used Airbus A340-300 passenger planes from Lufthansa as a replacement for the aging Airbus A310 jets. They will be converted to VIP planes by Lufthansa Technik. The acquisition and conversion of these A340 planes were approved by the German parliarment on 2008-03-12. ^[3]

[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. The VIP transport squadron of the Hellenic Air Force operates also two Embraer business jets.

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.^[4] 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] Iraq

The government of Iraq uses a Boeing 767-200. Previously, they used an ex Air Canada aircraft.

[edit] India

The government of India uses Air India and Indian Airlines for the overseas transportation of Government officials. The President of India uses a special aircraft named as VIP 1. The aircraft with the callsign AI 001 is a special Boeing 747-437B 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. Within the country the Prime Minister and the President use an Indian Air Force Boeing 737 -200 (also known as T-43). This Boeing has also flown Indian heads of state to few foreign countries as well. Also there are 5 Embraer 135 'Legacy' aircraft for short travel, again operated by Comm Squadron of Indian Air Force based in New Delhi.

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] Indonesia

The President of Indonesia and the Vice President uses a chartered Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330-300 for most overseas trip and state visits. The Indonesian Air Force also maintains a special VIP squadron for the President, Vice President and Government Ministers which is the 17th Air Squadron (Indonesian: Skadron Udara 17) consisting of Boeing 707-3M1C, C-130 Hercules, Fokker F27-400, Fokker F28-1000 and Super Puma (AS 332L-1) helicopters. All aircraft and helicopters of the 17th Air Squadron are based in Halim Perdanakusuma Airforce Base, Jakarta. All presidential flights depart from Halim Perdanakusuma AFB.

[edit] Ireland

The Irish Government uses a number of jets to transport the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach and Cabinet Ministers. The Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) of 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 other aircraft have 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 operated by the 31st Wing based in Rome Ciampino airport.

[edit] Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast government uses a Gulfstream IV (Registered TU-VAF) as a VIP aircraft.

[edit] Japan

Japan maintains two Boeing 747-400 (20-1101 and 20-1102) aircraft mostly for the Prime Minister, the Emperor, Empress and other members of the Imperial Family, operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The planes are officially called seifu-senyō-ki (政府専用機, literally “Government Exclusive Aircraft”) in Japanese and Japanese Air Force One/Two in English. They have been used to transport Japanese peace-keeping troops to Iraq in the past, and are also designed to take Japanese nationals and refugees home from foreign land in serious political turmoil, chaos after natural disasters, etc.

The planes' paint schemes consist of white body, a red and gold stripe painted across the windows from nose to tail, and the hinomaru (sun disk) symbol on the tail and both wings, with the word "Japan" spelled out in both Japanese (日本国) and English on the fuselage.^[5]

The two aircraft are based at Chitose Airport near Sapporo, but generally operate from Haneda Airport, the centrally-located domestic airport in Tokyo.

[edit] Jordan

The King uses an Airbus A340-200 for transport.

The imperial family members and government officials uses a Canadair CL-600-2B16 Challenger (JY-ONE and the JY-TWO).

[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.

Fokker executive plane was purchased 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, the Kenyan President primarily used Kenya Airways for his international travel.

[edit] Kuwait

A Boeing 747-400 of Kuwait Airways is reserved for State use, but occasionally used for schedule flights.

[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. When flying into airports with short runways, he uses either a Boeing 737-300 (TP-02) or a Boeing 737-322 (TP-03). For short 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 Perdana One (for the Prime Minister) or DiRaja One (if the King is aboard). The BBJ was purchased in 2003 from Malaysia Airlines who operated it with the registration number 9M-BBJ.^[6]

[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] Namibia

The Namibian government uses a Dassault Falcon 900 (registered V5-NAM) for VIP transport.

[edit] Netherlands, Kingdom of the

The Netherlands 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 Beatrix'. The aircraft is maintained by KLM Cityhopper.

And a Gulfstream IV of the Netherlands Air Force (NAF) with registration code V-11.

[edit] New Zealand

The Royal New Zealand Airforce maintain 2 Boeing 757-200 which are occasionally used to transport the Prime Minister, various government officials as well as the New Zealand Monarch and other members of the Royal Family. 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 horizontal 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 commercial 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 (5-9 passengers) 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

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. The government also used Boeing 747 in the past from Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier.

Before it came into service, Boeing 707s^[7] had served as the primary presidential aircraft. President Muhammad Zia-ul-haq used a LockheedC-130B ^[8] for his trips. Previous Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto used a Boeing 737 ^[9] 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.

PIA always transport the Presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan on overseas visits. During the late 1990s, Prime Minister Sharif's govternment bought a Boeing 737-300[24] for official use. Initially it wore a government colour scheme, and eventually a partial PIA 1990s livery was adopted as the aircraft was given to PIA for commercial use while it was not on official duty.

However, when the government changed after a military coup in 1999, the Boeing B737 was transferred to PIA permanently. The President and Prime Minister then resorted to using two of PIA's Airbus A310-300 for official visits, while rare trips were done on regular commercial flights of the airline. In February 2007 the government of Qatar gifted one of their VIP fleet A310[25] to the Pakistani government, this has ended the need for PIA planes.

A new executive jet has been acquired for use by President Pervez Musharraf, raising the number of aircraft in the VVIP fleet to 14.The 10-seater Learjet is one of the three planes whose procurement was approved by former prime minister Shaukat Aziz.

The country’s VVIP fleet includes G-IV, Cessna Citation V, Cessna Citation Excel, Learjet 35, Learjet 45 XR, Raytheon Hawker 400, Falcon 20, Cessna Conquest II, Bell 412 helicopters (3) MI-17 helicopter Airbus A310-300 and now the new LearJet .

Two other jets ordered may land in Pakistan after the elections. These jets are for personal use of president and prime minister.

The value of the new luxury jet was about $60million.As Dawn Newspaper reported on 30/11/2007.

[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.

The aircraft is currently for sale by the Peruvian government.

[edit] The Philippines

The 250th (Presidential) Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force has the mandate of providing 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] Portugal

The Portuguese Air Force operates two Dassault Falcon 50 built in 1990 for use by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, as well as cabinet members and other dignitaries when appropriate. Additionally, for similar use, the Portuguese Air Force maintains three (but operates only one) Dassault Falcon 20 built in 1984.

Usually, for long range flights, are used Airbus A340 and Airbus A330 from TAP Portugal.

[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

Main article: Rossiya (airline)

Russia State Transport Company operates two Ilyushin Il-96-300PU for use of the President of Russia.

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.^[10]

Mil Mi-8 VIP helicopters are also used for domestic air transport.

[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] Singapore

The Prime Minister of Singapore has been known to travel by a chartered aircraft, mostly a Boeing 777 from Singapore Airlines.

[edit] Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has no presidential aircraft, however domestic travel for senior government officials and VIPs are provided by the No. 4 (VIP) Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force using 7 Bell 412EP.

[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 near Pretoria, one of South Africa's capital cities.

[edit] South Korea

Currently, the president of the Republic of Korea uses a Boeing 737-300 aircraft. But due to its short range, it is only used in short flights to Japan or China. While using long flights, the president borrows a Boeing 747-400 from Asiana Airlines or Korean Air. The UH-60 is the presidential helicopter.

[edit] Spain

The Spanish Air Force (Spanish: Fuerza Aérea Española, a subdivision of Ejercito del Aire) operates two customized Airbus A310, 2 Falcon 20, 2 Falcon 900, 4 Dassault Falcon 50, 2 Cessna Citation and several helicopters for transportation of the Prime Minister of Spain, 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. Travel arrangements are coordinated by the Government Travel Centre in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The 6^th 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] Tanzania

The Tanzania Government Flight Agency operates a Gulfstream G550 for VIP transports.

[edit] Thailand

The Royal Thai Air Force's 602 Royal Guard Squadron operates an 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 registered TC-ANA. The call sign for this aircraft is TCANA (English: Turkish Republic-MOTHER). [1] 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] Ukraine

Ukraine uses IL-62 for the President and Tupolev 134 for the Prime Minister as well as Yak-40 and Mi-8 for shorter trips. A new Airbus 319 with extended range is to be delivered in 2008 to replace the IL-62.

[edit] United Kingdom

Main article: Air transport of the Royal Family and executive of the 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 had planned to acquire two dedicated executive transports for the use of the Royal Family and Government. The planes were dubbed 'Blair Force One' by the media, but these have now been cancelled and other arrangements will be made.^[11]

[edit] United States

Main article: Air Force One

Main article: Marine One

The President and Vice President of the United States use 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). The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the Vice President is called that military branch name followed by "Two", such as Air Force Two or Marine Two (which is typically associated with a helicopter). In rare instances when the President has traveled on a private aircraft, its callsign is "Executive One".

[edit] Uruguay

Main article: Presidential air transport of 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

Typically, the Pope flies on a chartered Alitalia Jet. 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. The Pope's flight is often nicknamed "Shepherd One" by the press. ^[12] Pope Benedict XVI returned to Rome from Brazil on Alitalia. ^[13]

[edit] Venezuela

An Airbus A319CJ serves as the presidential transport for President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez [2].

[edit] Yugoslavia (former)

Former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito used many aircraft as presidential during his term. The most notable aircraft types in service were the DC-6B, Ilyushin Il-18D, Sud Aviation Caravelle and Boeing 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

[edit] See also

• Official state car
• State visit
• Royal Train
• Royal Yacht

[edit] External links

• A collection of Heads of State Aircraft Photos