Originally Posted by
Blacksheep
It's not part of the RAF tanker fleet, it's one of the "Surge" aircraft in the Air Tanker inventory that has been returned from lease from an airline that went out of business. It needed an interior refit and repaint anyway so why not assign it to the government as a VIP transport? It's not as if that was a new idea. We had a whole fleet of aircraft and two complete RAF Stations dedicated to Royal/VIP transportation when I served back in the 60s/70s. For long-haul overseas diplomacy we'd happily convert two VC10s for Royal or Prime Ministerial trips at the drop of a hat. But of course RAF airmens' labour and paint supplies are free of charge, aren't they?
This has been brought up a number of times and has been shot down a number of times as well. ZZ336 is NOT from the surge fleet; it is a fully equipped three-point tanker and the only Voyager with a VIP fit. Henceforth it is for use by the government/Royal Family when required and may be tasked at any time. Not much point in letting Chav Air fly holidaymakers to Florida in it if that is the case. Is it?