RAAF VIP Fleet Renewal
I've been in the BBJ a few times in my previous life. The aircraft, then anyway, were very basic.
If you get the impression these aircraft had gold plated taps and spa baths think again. They were meant to be airborne offices and deliberately understated to keep the voter happy.
I agree with Keg. We send these aircraft overseas with the leaders of our country aboard. Regardless of your politics, I'd prefer to see that service provided by the RAAF in an aircraft designed for the purpose. I'd love to see the RAAF doing troop transports too rather than via the lowest bidder, but that's another issue.
Not only does a dedicated aircraft allow the ministers the opportunity to work in transit, it also gives them a certain status that commercial flights don't allow. In the wider world of politics, this status is actually worth something.
I reckon B789s would fit the bill nicely.
If you get the impression these aircraft had gold plated taps and spa baths think again. They were meant to be airborne offices and deliberately understated to keep the voter happy.
I agree with Keg. We send these aircraft overseas with the leaders of our country aboard. Regardless of your politics, I'd prefer to see that service provided by the RAAF in an aircraft designed for the purpose. I'd love to see the RAAF doing troop transports too rather than via the lowest bidder, but that's another issue.
Not only does a dedicated aircraft allow the ministers the opportunity to work in transit, it also gives them a certain status that commercial flights don't allow. In the wider world of politics, this status is actually worth something.
I reckon B789s would fit the bill nicely.
Pantone 348C and Pantone 116C (for the green and gold respectively). Changed by proclamation on 19th April, 1984.
Last edited by AerialPerspective; 31st Mar 2016 at 17:54. Reason: adding info
No worries, the fact that the wreath under the Commonwealth star on the Coat of Arms stayed blue and gold makes it confusing (that's where the blue and gold came from) so it's only that I remember it happening and it being a proclamation.
Actually, the Springboks are green and gold, I don't think their other teams are, the South African colors are those on the flag - what is to say that people in South Africa and Brazil don't say "ah, green and gold, looks like Australia???"
We certainly win far more than our fair share of medals at the Olympics, way, way beyond our relative population size. The AUD is the 5/6th highest traded currency in the world and there were green and gold wattles here long before South Africa or Brasil were heard of :-)
We certainly win far more than our fair share of medals at the Olympics, way, way beyond our relative population size. The AUD is the 5/6th highest traded currency in the world and there were green and gold wattles here long before South Africa or Brasil were heard of :-)
Ok.
KC 30.
Get another hull.
Configure it with a VIP section between doors one and two.
Dedicate that A/C to VIP duties.
That keeps everyone happy. The media and all the hangers on can be accommodated down the back.
When 33 are desperate for another hull they can call on that one and the grunts can stay down the back and not soil the PM's leather seat.
All operational matters are consistent with existing staffing and systems.
Minimal cost increase.
KC 30.
Get another hull.
Configure it with a VIP section between doors one and two.
Dedicate that A/C to VIP duties.
That keeps everyone happy. The media and all the hangers on can be accommodated down the back.
When 33 are desperate for another hull they can call on that one and the grunts can stay down the back and not soil the PM's leather seat.
All operational matters are consistent with existing staffing and systems.
Minimal cost increase.
Of course, this is the military we are talking about, even if the VIP fleet were A330s I'm sure military bureaucracy would end up buying double the parts/spares required.
When European Aviation (Stodardt) purchased the BAC-111s he was given the parts by the RAAF for nothing - they had enough parts to last for 300 years - hence PS paid a pittance for the aeroplanes then became the US/Europe parts centre for the BAC-111, supplying parts for them for years afterwards.
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Those facilities are usually available within Australian diplomatic posts, but that doesn't help much if the pollies are travelling somewhere those facilities are not available. So the most secure, and next best place to have those facilities is aboard the aircraft on which they're travelling.
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Rexxxxxxxxxy, you might be surprised at the landing performance of some of the modern widebodies, including (and I hate to say it) the (G)A380, compared to the 737.
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I understand in May the shortlisted bidders for the RFP Management Contract will be announced. Sure hope the Govt will give the work to an Australian owned company, unlike the new subs just announced.
Mr Mustang RG laughably thinks that the Govt should have given the sub contract to an Australian company I guess. Pray tell who designs subs in Australia . The new Frog "guzunders" will be built here ..,
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No problems with the supply of foreign built military items... I was Referring to the Management contract of the new VIP Fleet, suggesting Australian owned company.
