Originally Posted by
Wander00
As an aside, an A330 seems a very expensive way of carting Johnson to and from the US. I know there is an entourage, but surely something smaller with the necessary range could be leased
If you already pay into fixed contract for A330 availability and flying hours (as the MOD does) then the only cost is fuel and any displaced activity. Leasing a smaller aircraft would be much more expensive, even taking savings in fuel and landing charges into account. These movements were probably planned in advance (notwithstanding the slightly early return!) but in any case there's no need to worry about expenses incurred by short-notice re-tasking of airframes; military passengers can be ordered to sleep at the airhead until a replacement arrives! Also, the press pack and their large amounts of equipment will all be charged for the privilege of being flown on HM aircraft.