Government of this Country on the other hand can't afford to buy shiny new transport aircraft. The kitty is empty, the cupboard bare, but three or four mid-life 744's should be affordable.
As another poster said, ILFC, or pay BA to do it.
I quite agree with comments on this thread that procurement know nothing whatsoever. My limited experience with those lot is of gross incompetence. Furthermore, with little experience of procuring aircraft, they simply do not have the competence to do it. Of course, in this day and age, the powers that certify those aircraft to the mil register (or better the CAA if they remain civilian) might prevent such future acquisitions from massive over-modification...would they...?!
Anyone else agree with Digby Jones that the whole Civil Service should be lined up and shot?