Ehhh Mbeki's Jet arrives soon ... Half a Billion later ..
GunsssR4ever
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Ehhh Mbeki's Jet arrives soon ... Half a Billion later ..
President Thabo Mbeki will be able to take to the skies in style in September with the South African Air Force's first inter-continental VIP aircraft scheduled to arrive in the country within three weeks.
The Boeing Business Jet, which will cost South Africa R587-million, is due to fly to Pretoria next week from Basel, Switzerland where luxury interior fittings, including a state-of-the-art office, are being installed.
Its delivery has now been delayed by two weeks due to the Civil Aviation Authority running final tests on the aircraft, Defence Ministry spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said.
The jet, one of 50 in service worldwide, will be used primarily by Mbeki, but Deputy President Jacob Zuma and other members of Cabinet will also be able to travel long distances in it.
The aircraft's hi-tech equipment includes conference facilities and satellite voice and fax communications.
While the basic aircraft cost R300- million, about R108-million was spent to upgrade it to VIP status.
A further R180-million was earmarked for specialist support equipment, delivery and management costs, and the training of the crew.
According to Boeing's director for socio-economic affairs, Isaac Nkama, the Boeing Business Jet can fly more than 11 100km (6 000 nautical miles) non-stop.
Mkhwanazi said that because the jet has the capacity to fly non-stop to Europe and Asia, Mbeki will no longer have to land in other African countries to refuel.
"Besides the security risks at foreign airports, there are also protocol problems. Even if it is 3am, protocol dictates that the president of the country he is stopping in to refuel has to come and receive him. This is sometimes embarrassing and inconvenient," Mkhwanazi said.
On trips of more than 10 175km (5 500 nautical miles) the airplane can carry a maximum of eight passengers, while it can accommodate up to 18 people on short flights.
Check here is I talked s**t
The Boeing Business Jet, which will cost South Africa R587-million, is due to fly to Pretoria next week from Basel, Switzerland where luxury interior fittings, including a state-of-the-art office, are being installed.
Its delivery has now been delayed by two weeks due to the Civil Aviation Authority running final tests on the aircraft, Defence Ministry spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said.
The jet, one of 50 in service worldwide, will be used primarily by Mbeki, but Deputy President Jacob Zuma and other members of Cabinet will also be able to travel long distances in it.
The aircraft's hi-tech equipment includes conference facilities and satellite voice and fax communications.
While the basic aircraft cost R300- million, about R108-million was spent to upgrade it to VIP status.
A further R180-million was earmarked for specialist support equipment, delivery and management costs, and the training of the crew.
According to Boeing's director for socio-economic affairs, Isaac Nkama, the Boeing Business Jet can fly more than 11 100km (6 000 nautical miles) non-stop.
Mkhwanazi said that because the jet has the capacity to fly non-stop to Europe and Asia, Mbeki will no longer have to land in other African countries to refuel.
"Besides the security risks at foreign airports, there are also protocol problems. Even if it is 3am, protocol dictates that the president of the country he is stopping in to refuel has to come and receive him. This is sometimes embarrassing and inconvenient," Mkhwanazi said.
On trips of more than 10 175km (5 500 nautical miles) the airplane can carry a maximum of eight passengers, while it can accommodate up to 18 people on short flights.
Check here is I talked s**t
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ZS - ONE
Why would our CIVIL Aviation Authority need to run tests on the Presidential BBJ, if its going to be operated as an Airforce Aircraft by an Airforce Squadron and flown by Airforce Pilots ?
If on the other hand , the aircraft is to be civvie registered, does this mean that the Airforce would have to have been issued with their own Civillian AOC? In which case an entire range of profit generating possibilities could open up and the organisation could become self funding.
" Bombs dropped while you wait , phone 0800 SAAF..."
Or, possibly it should be registered in the LS 1 catagory, ZU-, (experimental), which would enable his exellency to check the dipstick and the plugs himself thereby eliminating the need for expensively trained engineers to do the job- a further saving to the SA taxpayer.
Any Idea's ?
If on the other hand , the aircraft is to be civvie registered, does this mean that the Airforce would have to have been issued with their own Civillian AOC? In which case an entire range of profit generating possibilities could open up and the organisation could become self funding.
" Bombs dropped while you wait , phone 0800 SAAF..."
Or, possibly it should be registered in the LS 1 catagory, ZU-, (experimental), which would enable his exellency to check the dipstick and the plugs himself thereby eliminating the need for expensively trained engineers to do the job- a further saving to the SA taxpayer.
Any Idea's ?
Gatvol
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What a Deal.......Any bets on the pilots?? Does anyone believe Comrad Presidente will dig into the EEO Pool?.........NOT
I think theres an SAA pilot may be looking for a job and a bigger suitcase......
for those of you who may have heard this tale and know where it comes from................."WHY I SLEEP"
I think theres an SAA pilot may be looking for a job and a bigger suitcase......
for those of you who may have heard this tale and know where it comes from................."WHY I SLEEP"
Paxing All Over The World
Its delivery has now been delayed by two weeks due to the Civil Aviation Authority running final tests on the aircraft, Defence Ministry spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi said.
I though that the military were supposed to do everything to a timetable and be better at keeping to them then us johnnies in civvie street ...
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Usualy while travelling around the continent one will notice that the rule of thumb here is that " the bigger and more luxurious the presidential jet - the poorer the people.
In some cases the presidential jet can be worth more than the country !!
V1 Rotate
In some cases the presidential jet can be worth more than the country !!
V1 Rotate
Yeah...SA has sooo much extra cash lying around...why not buy a nice new plane...but it is only a 737..!
I would have thought that a nice 767 or something would have been a better fit...for the hangers-on and the shopping!Old Bob uses the air Zim 767!
Does it fly under the callsign"eeehSAwun"?
At least there are lots of SAA pilots rated on Boeing...for now!
I would have thought that a nice 767 or something would have been a better fit...for the hangers-on and the shopping!Old Bob uses the air Zim 767!
Does it fly under the callsign"eeehSAwun"?
At least there are lots of SAA pilots rated on Boeing...for now!
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Good point, mind you , does anyone think that the presidential BBJ will be flown by affirmed action pilots ?
I understand that minister Mac Maharaj, once refused to fly on an airforce Cessna Caravan, apparently both the commander and the copilot were a touch too dark for the ministerial liking. The flight was delayed until a pilot, (who's genetic origins hailed from more northerly and temperate latitudes), was made a crew member on the aircraft. Talk about double standards!
I understand that minister Mac Maharaj, once refused to fly on an airforce Cessna Caravan, apparently both the commander and the copilot were a touch too dark for the ministerial liking. The flight was delayed until a pilot, (who's genetic origins hailed from more northerly and temperate latitudes), was made a crew member on the aircraft. Talk about double standards!
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As a ex-pat living here in the heart where ZS-RSA, alias B737 BBJ has been "reconstructed", seen MANY times by myself taxiing past the Jet Aviation hangar in Basel, have wondered...??? Luckily I am not paying the 50% tax money of previous to fund this....
And there are some other ZS-..... machines as well, from time to time.
Talk is cheap, money buys the whisky...
And there are some other ZS-..... machines as well, from time to time.
Talk is cheap, money buys the whisky...
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This sound like another Government Scam just in a different part of Africa. If Mandela did without this fancy trimming what has changed?
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Engineer::
The point about Mandela is that he is simply a great man, period.
Sad to see that after all these years (and all these dictators....) it is still a sure bet that in almost any case involving the plundering of public funds for glitzy toys for the big chiefs the money trail leads to Switzerland (Jet Aviation for Mbeki's Jet, Trans Air SA in case of Rawling's Gulfstream).
The point about Mandela is that he is simply a great man, period.
Sad to see that after all these years (and all these dictators....) it is still a sure bet that in almost any case involving the plundering of public funds for glitzy toys for the big chiefs the money trail leads to Switzerland (Jet Aviation for Mbeki's Jet, Trans Air SA in case of Rawling's Gulfstream).
Last edited by Alpha Leader; 3rd Aug 2002 at 04:32.
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As children suffer Mbeki splashes out on luxurious plane
Thabo Mbeki is about to take delivery of a new, specially upgraded jet worth £37.5m, as reports showed yesterday that 75% of the South African President's people do not have enough to eat.
Mr Mbeki's decision to proceed with acquiring the aircraft amid worsening poverty has been condemned by the main opposition parties. Pictures of children physically stunted by wasting and the nutrition-deficit disease kwashiorkor were published extensively in the country's Sunday Times newspaper yesterday.
One in five children in South Africa suffers from chronic malnutrition, according to a joint report compiled by the South African government and the World Health Organisation. A national food-consumption survey, one of several studies in the report, found that 50 per cent of households suffer from hunger. Half of the 3,120 children examined had less than half the recommended level of nutrients. Government estimates suggest that around three-quarters of South Africans have inadequate access to food.
Goaded by the shocking figures, the government has set up a committee to investigate ways to concentrate on providing more nutrient-rich food to starving children.
A spokesman for the opposition Democratic Alliance, Anthony Hazel, said yesterday that the acquisition of the aeroplane had come to symbolise all that was wrong with Mr Mbeki's administration.
"The decision to buy the jet is clearly unwarranted expenditure and poor prioritisation of the country's needs," said Mr Hazel. He added that Mr Mbeki, as the new chairman of the African Union, must lead by example and refrain from the behaviour of his fellow African leaders who were squandering public resources on luxuries while millions of their people had no food.
While the basic version of Mr Mbeki's Boeing business jet costs £19.2m, the remaining £18.3m was used to upgrade it to VIP status. It has been fitted with luxury interior fittings including a state-of-the-art office and hi-tech equipment including conference facilities and satellite voice and fax communications.
South Africa's defence spokesman, Sam Mkhwananzi, said that because the aircraft could fly non-stop to Europe and Asia, Mr Mbeki would no longer have to land in other African countries to refuel
But Mr Hazel said Mr Mbeki should have kept his present jet and used commercial flights on long-haul trips to Europe and Asia. "Mr Mbeki should use South African Airways on long-distance trips. Leaders from rich European countries use their national airlines on long trips. A poor country like South Africa cannot afford this luxury," he said.
Mr Mbeki's decision to proceed with acquiring the aircraft amid worsening poverty has been condemned by the main opposition parties. Pictures of children physically stunted by wasting and the nutrition-deficit disease kwashiorkor were published extensively in the country's Sunday Times newspaper yesterday.
One in five children in South Africa suffers from chronic malnutrition, according to a joint report compiled by the South African government and the World Health Organisation. A national food-consumption survey, one of several studies in the report, found that 50 per cent of households suffer from hunger. Half of the 3,120 children examined had less than half the recommended level of nutrients. Government estimates suggest that around three-quarters of South Africans have inadequate access to food.
Goaded by the shocking figures, the government has set up a committee to investigate ways to concentrate on providing more nutrient-rich food to starving children.
A spokesman for the opposition Democratic Alliance, Anthony Hazel, said yesterday that the acquisition of the aeroplane had come to symbolise all that was wrong with Mr Mbeki's administration.
"The decision to buy the jet is clearly unwarranted expenditure and poor prioritisation of the country's needs," said Mr Hazel. He added that Mr Mbeki, as the new chairman of the African Union, must lead by example and refrain from the behaviour of his fellow African leaders who were squandering public resources on luxuries while millions of their people had no food.
While the basic version of Mr Mbeki's Boeing business jet costs £19.2m, the remaining £18.3m was used to upgrade it to VIP status. It has been fitted with luxury interior fittings including a state-of-the-art office and hi-tech equipment including conference facilities and satellite voice and fax communications.
South Africa's defence spokesman, Sam Mkhwananzi, said that because the aircraft could fly non-stop to Europe and Asia, Mr Mbeki would no longer have to land in other African countries to refuel
But Mr Hazel said Mr Mbeki should have kept his present jet and used commercial flights on long-haul trips to Europe and Asia. "Mr Mbeki should use South African Airways on long-distance trips. Leaders from rich European countries use their national airlines on long trips. A poor country like South Africa cannot afford this luxury," he said.
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"One in five children in South Africa suffers from chronic malnutrition, according to a joint report compiled by the South African government and the World Health Organisation. A national food-consumption survey, one of several studies in the report, found that 50 per cent of households suffer from hunger. Half of the 3,120 children examined had less than half the recommended level of nutrients. Government estimates suggest that around three-quarters of South Africans have inadequate access to food. "
African Skies
Would I be guessing if I said that more than one in five of those starving are not "South African".In the sense that they illegally immigrated South?? If I remember a few years ago, I think there was a chance to take care of all within SAs borders. Today I believe the borders are just lines on the map....
Your thoughts please.......
African Skies
Would I be guessing if I said that more than one in five of those starving are not "South African".In the sense that they illegally immigrated South?? If I remember a few years ago, I think there was a chance to take care of all within SAs borders. Today I believe the borders are just lines on the map....
Your thoughts please.......
GunsssR4ever
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I have reported BERT !
Bert, I have reported you to the moderator ... you are talking too close to the truth bru ... enjoy SA next week
Gatvol
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OK, Gunship. I will give you a shout when I hit Knysna.....Gotta do some Calamari and fresh Oysters...... I will be in SA for a couple months so Dinner is on me....
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Bert, I don't know, mate. The clipping said that the report was compiled by the WHO and the SA Govt. It could be true, on the other hand, it could be that the SA Govt wants more of that lovely aid! Anyway, there's no doubt that the average south african could do with a bit of improvement in life..like a toilet or a tap yet the top cat gets a half billion rand jet
as for the borders, they're as porous as the governments coffers...
as for the borders, they're as porous as the governments coffers...
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There is often a segment on TV here in NZ on the food shortage in southern africa. NZ relief organisations are gearing up big time to help these people.
It’s just really sad how these dictators in government don’t give a sh!t about their own people. Mugabe is first on the list.
Bert, you bugga! Enjoy SA! You gonna do some flying over there?
It’s just really sad how these dictators in government don’t give a sh!t about their own people. Mugabe is first on the list.
Bert, you bugga! Enjoy SA! You gonna do some flying over there?
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The Eagle has Landed Today !
News 24
Thabo's "Fish Eagle" has landed ...
Erika Gibson - Pretoria
Inkwanzi, or fish eagle, President Thabo Mbeki's controversial jet, landed at Waterkloof airbase minutes shortly after 00:00 on Tuesday, air force spokesperson Francois Coetzee said.
The intercontinental Boeing Business Jet was flown on a non-stop delivery flight some 9 500km from Basel, Switzerland on Monday after debate has raged for months over the R700 million extravagance.
The defence department has not reached an agreement over how the jet is to be introduced, if at all. There is concern that a public launching event might be seen as ostentatious and some feel the intercontinental Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) should just quietly assume its VIP role.
Based on the Boeing 737-800 passenger airliner, the BBJ can fly a distance of 11 500 km at 870 km/h without stopping for fuel.
Right to the bitter end the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been objecting against the purchase.
Nick Clelland-Stokes of the DA, in a statement, titled, The ego has landed, said the luxury purchase is an indication of Mbeki's extravagance in contrast to the hard reality many South Africans have to face.
Huge bed, conference room and lounge
Clelland-Stokes maintained the Australian premier's aircraft was considerably more modest, while president Festus Mogae of Botswana flew economic class on regular airlines since Aids relief enojoyed higher priority in his country's budget.
Various leaders used their countries' official airlines on official visits, and for African visits, Mbeki could use his "old" Falcon 900 jetliner.
Clelland-Stokes added that flight hour expenses for the Inkwanzi had shot up by 86% over the past two years.
It has taken about a year to redecorate Mbeki's jet with a huge bed, a conference room and a lounge. Australian premier Johan Howard used an ordinary aircraft seat. British premier Tony Blair flew British Airways on long-distance flights. The New Zealand premier flew Air New Zealand and both the Greek premier and president flew Olympic Airways.
"President Mbeki should have done the same and fly South African Airways for trans-continental trips," Clelland-Stokes said. "The existing Falcon 900 is more than adequate for shorter flights."
'Gap between elite and ordinary'
"The sheer vulgarity of the new presidential jet and the extravagance it represents is disconcerting. South Africa needs job opportunities, housing and an extensive Aids programme. The jet illustrates the widening gap between the ANC elite and ordinary South Africans."
The air force will manage the jetliner as part of its VIP fleet. An earlier air force statement had said the BBJ was the only jet to meet presidential requirements.
The jet can cover routes between Los Angeles to London; New York to Buenos Aires or London to South Africa with ease.
In addition it has 25% more space on board than previous BBJ models. It can carry 20 passengers or an entire presidential party.
The Inkwanzi is white with light and dark blue stripes - the official air force colours - with the official emblem on the tail.
Defence ministry spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi said the Boeing, registered as ZS-RSA, will be operated by air force aircrew supported by air force ground technical staff.
These crews have been trained at Boeing and will familiarise themselves with ZS-RSA for a month before the plane is put into service, Mkhwanazi said.
Thabo's "Fish Eagle" has landed ...
Erika Gibson - Pretoria
Inkwanzi, or fish eagle, President Thabo Mbeki's controversial jet, landed at Waterkloof airbase minutes shortly after 00:00 on Tuesday, air force spokesperson Francois Coetzee said.
The intercontinental Boeing Business Jet was flown on a non-stop delivery flight some 9 500km from Basel, Switzerland on Monday after debate has raged for months over the R700 million extravagance.
The defence department has not reached an agreement over how the jet is to be introduced, if at all. There is concern that a public launching event might be seen as ostentatious and some feel the intercontinental Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) should just quietly assume its VIP role.
Based on the Boeing 737-800 passenger airliner, the BBJ can fly a distance of 11 500 km at 870 km/h without stopping for fuel.
Right to the bitter end the Democratic Alliance (DA) has been objecting against the purchase.
Nick Clelland-Stokes of the DA, in a statement, titled, The ego has landed, said the luxury purchase is an indication of Mbeki's extravagance in contrast to the hard reality many South Africans have to face.
Huge bed, conference room and lounge
Clelland-Stokes maintained the Australian premier's aircraft was considerably more modest, while president Festus Mogae of Botswana flew economic class on regular airlines since Aids relief enojoyed higher priority in his country's budget.
Various leaders used their countries' official airlines on official visits, and for African visits, Mbeki could use his "old" Falcon 900 jetliner.
Clelland-Stokes added that flight hour expenses for the Inkwanzi had shot up by 86% over the past two years.
It has taken about a year to redecorate Mbeki's jet with a huge bed, a conference room and a lounge. Australian premier Johan Howard used an ordinary aircraft seat. British premier Tony Blair flew British Airways on long-distance flights. The New Zealand premier flew Air New Zealand and both the Greek premier and president flew Olympic Airways.
"President Mbeki should have done the same and fly South African Airways for trans-continental trips," Clelland-Stokes said. "The existing Falcon 900 is more than adequate for shorter flights."
'Gap between elite and ordinary'
"The sheer vulgarity of the new presidential jet and the extravagance it represents is disconcerting. South Africa needs job opportunities, housing and an extensive Aids programme. The jet illustrates the widening gap between the ANC elite and ordinary South Africans."
The air force will manage the jetliner as part of its VIP fleet. An earlier air force statement had said the BBJ was the only jet to meet presidential requirements.
The jet can cover routes between Los Angeles to London; New York to Buenos Aires or London to South Africa with ease.
In addition it has 25% more space on board than previous BBJ models. It can carry 20 passengers or an entire presidential party.
The Inkwanzi is white with light and dark blue stripes - the official air force colours - with the official emblem on the tail.
Defence ministry spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi said the Boeing, registered as ZS-RSA, will be operated by air force aircrew supported by air force ground technical staff.
These crews have been trained at Boeing and will familiarise themselves with ZS-RSA for a month before the plane is put into service, Mkhwanazi said.