VVIP transport

[skua]

Any bets as to whether HMG will put more emphasis on procuring some more modern VVIP transport - since Bliar has had the benefit of a trip into Pakistan in the back of an Albert?

[Man-on-the-fence]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

carrying passengers in a C-130 when there was a viable alternative (BBC said it was because the Airspace between the two countries was close to civvies - well what about a Vickers Funbus), isnt that against the rules???.......the beanos will love it "If its good enough for the PM etc etc..

<img src="mad.gif" border="0">

(it was a tragedy about GB's baby though) <img src="frown.gif" border="0">

Edited to add that if I were BEagle my nose would be put well and truly out of joint after not being given the chance to fly President Bliar into harms way <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ 07 January 2002: Message edited by: Man-on-the-fence ]</p>

[Unwell_Raptor]

A usually unreliable source reports that when the PM was asked about his trip on Air Albert he replied "PARDON?"

[BEagle]

No comment.

That the PM and his wife managed to fit in this visit to our colleagues at the front line during a period of crucial political activity is highly gratifying. Thank you indeed!

My condolences to Gordon and Sarah Brown on their sad loss.

[ 07 January 2002: Message edited by: BEagle ]</p>

[Wycombe]

....things a touch austere and tactical for anything but Albert at Bagram, I should think

[Jackonicko]

Should have made him jump in, preferably Halo. :)

[Gash Handlin]

yeah Jacko.... without the 'chute :)

[skua]

But Wycombe, he flew into Pakistan (as well as Bagram) in an Albert !

[Jackonicko]

Got it! Cherie's so ugly that to put her in a 'Funbus' (a pulchritudinous aircraft) would warp the space/time continuum, with potentially catastrophic results.

Or has a VC 10 recently delivered a shiny red pillar box somewhere else? The movers mixed up the order: "Mrs Blair by VC10 to Islamabad, 1 GPO box, mail for the use of, by Albert, to Seeb".

Or does he think that travelling by Herc makes him more 'warlike' and Churchillian?

Was it a J?

[Man-on-the-fence]

Hi Jacko

Not a J but A good old K (albeit with a nice new green colourscheme and a few "extras") XV200 from memory.

[ 08 January 2002: Message edited by: Man-on-the-fence ]</p>

[Sideshow Bob]

Did he really travel all the way here by fat Albert or was that BA jet I saw on the military pan at a little known desert airfield whilst I did my walk round this morning a mirarge.

[Muff Coupling]

BA were touting for premium class business after flying the recently developed shoe X ray machine for Bagram International <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

[Man-on-the-fence]

BEagle

I hate to rain on your parade but do you seriously think he went to visit the Troops???

No, he wanted to be the first Western leader into Afghanipoo.

International one upmanship on a grand scale. Still it was nice that he bothered to visit the troops while he was there. I'm sure they really appreciated it.

[BEagle]

I don't know. Fact was that they did. Good show!

[AllTrimDoubt]

Nah, he was really there to offer a bid on behalf of RMT/SW Trains to run the country's rail network! Or was he sorting out our own? <img src="mad.gif" border="0">

[Wycombe]

Skua

Yes, you're right, we all saw them on the TV arriving in Islamabad on XV200 aswell.

Suspect this was due to crossings between India/Pak airspace not being allowed for civvy
aircraft at present. Also, extra security that can be afforded by flying mil was probably also a
factor.

Understand they picked up the 777 from MCT back to LHR yesterday (it's full routing on Tony's Tour was LHR-CAI-DAC-BLR-HYD-DEL-MCT-LHR!)

[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Wycombe ]</p>

[Bellerophon]

Wycombe

In fact there are no (new) restrictions on civilian aircraft crossing the India/Pakistan border, unless the aircraft in question is registered to one of those two countries, in which case a large detour will be necessary!

[Wycombe]

Thanks for clarifying!