The Cameron Jet
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9 a/c on the mil reg flown as tankers/air transport by RAF crews
5 a/c on the civ reg to be flown on charter work (one on a 4 year deal with TCX) flown by civ crews. These aircraft can be pressed into military service at short notice if required.
Unsure if it will be a mil or civ to be fitted with the enhance cabin for VVIP service.
5 a/c on the civ reg to be flown on charter work (one on a 4 year deal with TCX) flown by civ crews. These aircraft can be pressed into military service at short notice if required.
Unsure if it will be a mil or civ to be fitted with the enhance cabin for VVIP service.
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Well, he could just stay home; nothing brings useful activity to a screeching halt like having the Big Boss and his retinue show up. This is a concept I have recommended to all politicians everywhere since, roughly, the invention of the telephone.
Actually this seems a pretty cheap deal for something thats not unreasonable when you look at the sort of dedicated modern aircraft that all kinds of aid recipient little countries use for their president. So i actually think it is reasonable.
Sadly looked at another way it underpins Britain's real relevance in the world compared with other countries, France and Germany have a bit more style on offer for the head of state and of course Obama and Vlad have a whole fleet at their disposal.
Is Mrs Windsor going to use the new plane as well? perhaps in a spirit of Euro unity she could fly LuftMerkel as a fellow national.
I wouldn't worry about Jeremy Corbyn using it , he looks like its a bike or an Oyster card to cover his travel needs , but then a lot of people respect that.
In fact as regards Dave One I am surprised the Mail or Torygraph havent yet characterised it as PM forced to fly on French jet
Sadly looked at another way it underpins Britain's real relevance in the world compared with other countries, France and Germany have a bit more style on offer for the head of state and of course Obama and Vlad have a whole fleet at their disposal.
Is Mrs Windsor going to use the new plane as well? perhaps in a spirit of Euro unity she could fly LuftMerkel as a fellow national.
I wouldn't worry about Jeremy Corbyn using it , he looks like its a bike or an Oyster card to cover his travel needs , but then a lot of people respect that.
In fact as regards Dave One I am surprised the Mail or Torygraph havent yet characterised it as PM forced to fly on French jet
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Procuring a seat on a scheduled flight (though several would be needed for the retinue) or chartering a complete aircraft doesn't provide the degree of 'security' or 'communications' of the sort provided for the POTUS on AirForceOne.
Does Dave (or his successor(s)) need this?
I don't think that the Royals would, though security measures might be appropriate.
Doesn't AF1 have flares to distract missile attacks? That facility might be useful for the Royals (though Republicans might disagree).
I'm sure the C130 can be so equipped, and, no doubt, the A400M, so maybe Airbus can fit them to the A330?
Maybe the anticipated Strategic Defence and Security Revue (sic) will reveal the long-awaited replacement for the Nimrod?
The trouble with thinking as above, is that what started out as being a seat for Dave ends up as being an expensive and lengthy procurement programme for a whole new type of aircraft.
Look what happened with the Mark 3 Chinooks . . .
Does Dave (or his successor(s)) need this?
I don't think that the Royals would, though security measures might be appropriate.
Doesn't AF1 have flares to distract missile attacks? That facility might be useful for the Royals (though Republicans might disagree).
I'm sure the C130 can be so equipped, and, no doubt, the A400M, so maybe Airbus can fit them to the A330?
Maybe the anticipated Strategic Defence and Security Revue (sic) will reveal the long-awaited replacement for the Nimrod?
The trouble with thinking as above, is that what started out as being a seat for Dave ends up as being an expensive and lengthy procurement programme for a whole new type of aircraft.
Look what happened with the Mark 3 Chinooks . . .
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"Forced to fly French jet"..except most of it isn't, and quite a lot of it; wings, engines, landing gear, fuel sys is British
Agreed tho, it works out a cheap deal -mainly because apart from a few comfy chairs, we're already paying for it anyway
Agreed tho, it works out a cheap deal -mainly because apart from a few comfy chairs, we're already paying for it anyway
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Good heavens, ladies and gents: Regardless of whether you like or don't like the current leader, it seems reasonable to have a dedicated aircraft or two for use by the top government people. These days the reality of security requirements would seem to require that. Phoning up BA to see what they have hanging about seems a poor way to plan a trip.
Now, nobody says you need to be as over the top as we here in US are when it comes to AF1.
Now, nobody says you need to be as over the top as we here in US are when it comes to AF1.
No Fly Zone:
If Sir David wants an airplane for his own use and that of his senior assistants
You have knighted our 'Dear Leader'. Afraid that won't happen until he stands down and rejects a Peerage.
If Sir David wants an airplane for his own use and that of his senior assistants
You have knighted our 'Dear Leader'. Afraid that won't happen until he stands down and rejects a Peerage.
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Look out! HOG overhead! Risk of fallout!
HOG - very good identifier indeed, especially as regards the present PM, and the choice of aircraft is fine. I visualise a big fat jolly A330 done up in Imperial colours with Dave and Sam tripping down the airstairs in cocked hats, boots and spurs to the tune of "Britannia rules the (air) waves" while HMQ is fork-lifted down in the Royal Howdah, done up in her pearly queen outfit. Bell-ringers, whistlers and trumpeteers would take up the steerage seats while assorted Lords, Ladies and bag-carriers would hang around the front end. Not sure where the Royal rickshaw and the pit-ponies would go, or the official Rolls. Perhaps a small fleet of these planes need to be procured to accommodate same. Now should JC ever achieve HOG status, what method or mode of aerial transport would Hon. Ppruners consider appropriate for this man of the people?
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Now should JC ever achieve HOG status, what method or mode of aerial transport would Hon. Ppruners consider appropriate for this man of the people?
Sounds OK to me. Working environment, encrypted satcom, internet, able to move around aides without airline pax looking and listening, change of destination or RTB if required AND no booze in the office until THE MAN says; that would put off all but the most hardened journo 
