Cabinet allows allows R408m for VIP plane

[Mac the Knife]

"Cabinet allows allows R408m for VIP plane"

"Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota has announced the purchase of a Boeing BBJ to be used as South Africa's first inter-continental VIP aircraft.

He told reporters in Pretoria that Cabinet ratified the recommendation for the aircraft on Wednesday. The plane, a Boeing 737 variant, was chosen over the Airbus A319.

The basic price of the aircraft is R300-million, and a ceiling amount of not more than 108 million has been allocated for its upgrading to VIP status."

R408m is about GBP34m or $51m

Comments on the choice of a/c for Mr Mbeki and price?

[Cardinal Puff]

Wonder if Thabo will loan it to Bob the Gob at the South African taxpayer's expense, like everything else.

AAAAAARRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

[MileHi]

Yep, its called the GRAVEY PLANE! Affirmative shopping from the SA taxpayer.

So Mbeki, what happened to all the pre-1994 promises. Houses, jobs for the people. Like Bob's mob it seems to all be going into government offical's pockets!

All we see is crime and corruption on the up! :mad:

[Mac the Knife]

'Cmon guys, gimme some serious answers.

Lets leave aside the question as to whether an African country in financial difficulties should be purchasing what looks like the most luxurious bizjet in the world and whether its leaders should not be setting an example and sorting out things at home before wandering around the world trying to right other people's wrongs.

What sort of retinue would fit in the 737 at "VIP" standard? What does the purchase price look like to you? The a/c looks fit for an Emperor on the Boeing site. Is the R300m just for the airframe or would it include fitting out to bizjet standards? What would the extra R108m be buying?

Is this a smart business decision or an expensive exercise in indulgence? Finally, can anyone give a ballpark figure as to running expenses and how much one would have to use it to be worthwhile? Would something cheaper or second hand have been a better buy?