From the Guardian
Experts argue that by gradually repurposing the jet as a British flagship, Johnson and the prime ministers immediately before him are in effect gaining control of what is a $240m modified Airbus A330M on the cheap, with the true costs paid by the Ministry of Defence via the PFI deal.
“No 10 should make that argument and be upfront about the cost. Instead this looks like they’re trying to get it through the back door with a dubious claim that this aircraft is still primarily a tanker,” Netherwood said.