PM to get two 'Blair Force Ones'

[Graham Borland]

Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to get the go-ahead later this month for two "Blair Force One" planes to fly him on official trips, the BBC has learned.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5098126.stm

[longarm]

about bloody time!

[ALLDAYDELI]

I wonder if this is being fixed directly with operators or using charter brokers? Anyone know?

[OpsSix]

Great, £12.3m to ferry one bloke around.

[sky9]

The intention is to lease 2 aircraft. I suspect that the reason is one of security, now that the threat from terrorists on the PM has increased.
No doubt it will be fitted with anti missile defence systems.

[Nearly Man]

How long is this cock monkey intending to stay in power to enjoy his jet?

[bobleeds]

Depending on the delivery time required, it's more than likely to be Tony Blair's successor who is first to take advantage of such an aircraft (or I wouldn't be surprised if it's first use would be to ferry the Duke of York on a vital business tour of the Carribbean or somewhere that a major golf tournament is being staged).

[Ms Spurtle]

Will the bigger one be an A319/A320 or will he go for a A330/A350 to impress the little countries he visits ?

[Rigga]

I think a 75-seat A321 would suit him nicely.
As to whether the larger one is an Airbus or Boeing would depend on the size of the FSTA deal I suppose!

A Fokker 70 would do nicely for the European holidays (Oops! - Summits.)

[Monkey Boy]

Well that news is going to upset one Gatwick based brokerage I should think! Wonder if that decision was based on any recent DC-8 charters that may not have gone quite according to plan?

[chornedsnorkack]

Originally Posted by Ms Spurtle

Will the bigger one be an A319/A320 or will he go for a A330/A350 to impress the little countries he visits ?

What about A340-300/500? Better range than even A330-200, 4 engines giving better obstacle clearance and ETOPS freedom?

[Lost_luggage34]

No doubt a panel of highly paid Civil Servants cost the taxpayer several hundred thousand pounds to conduct the feasibility study.

[brakedwell]

There's a nice Bristol Britannia parked at Kemble

[MEON VALLEY FLYER]

and sh1t loads of J31's parked idle all over. or a pair of BAC1-11 on ebay, usa. Anything else British about for scrap money ?

[Haven't a clue]

Maybe it's the unidentified order for the 747-8 Intercontinental......

[MEON VALLEY FLYER]

Haven't

Thanks to G Browns managing of our nations pusre from # 11 let alone what would happen if he moved next door. We couldn't even afford the landing fee for the 748-I

[The AvgasDinosaur]

How many seats does Mr Abramovic have in his 767-300 ?? Be nice to save a few bob and have a share pool.
What does Mrs A. have the use of these days has he still got the "old" BBJ on the books?
Be lucky
David

[tb10er]

First we had 2 jags, now 2 jets.

Any I bet it will have a hair saloon for the 1st lady (Cherie that is, not Elizabeth).

[brakedwell]

and a croquet lawn for his deputy.

[sky9]

No a double bed or was it an office desk?