Air transports of heads of state and government

Air transport for heads of state and government officials is, in many countries, provided by special aircraft. One in particular has been immortalised in popular culture: Air Force One, used by the President of the United States and operated by the United States Air Force. Another famous special aircraft is the Shepherd One used by the Pope and operated by the Italian Air Force or by designated carriers in different countries.

Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K M N O P R S T U V Y Z – Notes

History

The first head of state or government to receive official and dedicated air transport was the British Monarch. In 1928, two Westland Wapitis were delivered to No. 24 Squadron at RAF Northolt for the express purpose of the transportation of the Royal Family. Between 1929 and 1935, Edward, Prince of Wales, purchased 13 aircraft. Although the RAF maintained at least one of these aircraft for a time the Prince of Wales eventually became solely responsible for the aircraft.

When the Prince ascended to the throne in 1936 as Edward VIII, The King's Flight was formed as the world's first head of state aircraft unit.^[1] This unit initially used the King's own de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide; however this was replaced in May 1937 by an Airspeed AS.6J Envoy III.

In the US, prior to World War II, overseas and cross-country presidential travel was rare. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to fly in an aircraft while in office. During World War II, Roosevelt traveled on the Dixie Clipper, a Pan Am-crewed Boeing 314 flying boat to the 1943 Casablanca Conference, in Morocco, a flight that covered 5,500 miles in three legs.^[2][3]

The first dedicated aircraft proposed for presidential use was a C-87A VIP transport aircraft. This aircraft, number 41-24159, was re-modified in 1943 for use as a presidential VIP transport, the Guess Where II, intended to carry President Franklin D. Roosevelt on international trips.^[4] The Secret Service subsequently reconfigured a Douglas C-54 Skymaster for duty as a presidential transport. This VC-54C aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow, included a sleeping area, radio telephone, and retractable elevator to lift Roosevelt in his wheelchair. As modified, the VC-54C was used by President Roosevelt only once, on his trip to and from the Yalta Conference in February 1945.^[3]

In the postwar period, governments around the world have instituted similar provisions for the official aerial transportation of their heads of state and government.

Algeria

The government of Algeria operated an Airbus A340-500 in 2015.^[5]

Angola

The government of Angola operated a Bombardier Global Express in 2015.^[6]

Argentina

Argentina operated a fleet of aircraft and helicopters for exclusive use by President of Argentina and his or her family. This set of aircraft was known as the Agrupación Aérea Presidencial (Spanish for Presidential Air Group) and belonged to one of the Departments of the Presidency, called Military House. This was responsible for the presidential security and transportation. The Boeing 757 T-01 was used for international visits. The Agrupación Aérea presidencial was closed in 2016 by president Mauricio Macri, because of the high cost of repairs and maintenance and the lack of adequate pilots and spare parts. The fleet of the Presidential Air Group in 2014 was:

• Boeing 757-200
• Fokker F-28-4000 Fellowship
• Fokker F-28-1000C Fellowship
• Boeing 737-500^[7]
• Learjet 60
• Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk
• 2 x Sikorsky S-76B

Armenia

The Armenian Government operated an Airbus A319 in 2015.^[8]

Australia

No. 34 Squadron of the Royal Australian Air Force operates the current VIP fleet of two 737 Boeing Business Jets and three Challenger 604s for use by Australian officials; in particular the Queen of Australia, Governor-General, members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the leaders of political parties not in Government, and the Deputy Prime Minister. The aircraft are regularly used for both domestic and international travel.

The two 737 BBJs were acquired on a 13-year lease in 2002 and are fitted with facilities such as conference tables, offices suites and secure satellite and communication capabilities. The two planes also have a longer range than is standard for 737 BBJs. Both the BBJs and Challengers are based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra and are maintained by Qantas Defence Services.

In August 2014 it was announced the BBJ's would be replaced by at least one KC-30A in VIP configuration.^[9]

Azerbaijan

The President of Azerbaijan uses a Boeing 767-300 "Baku-1", equipped with jamming equipment, anti-missile systems and air-to-air refueling facility. This airplane is named after country's capital city Baku. Airbus A319-115X CJ "Baku" is used as back-up aircraft. A Gulfstream G550 is also used. Azerbaijani Air Force has also leased from Azerbaijan Airlines one Tupolev Tu-154 "Absheron" for governmental flights.

Bangladesh

The President and the Prime Minister travel on a specially reserved Biman Bangladesh Airlines aircraft. For long distance flights or flights with an especially large entourage, usually a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is used, whereas for medium to short distance flights an Airbus A310 aircraft is used. In many cases, two Biman aircraft are reserved for government flights, one as a standby aircraft. The Bangladesh Air Force has a VVIP fleet of four helicopters, two Mi-8 and 2 Bell 212 helicopters. One is always reserved for VVIP flights. The other three for carrying the staff and entourage.

Bahrain

The Bahrain Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-400 and Boeing 747SP. In 2013 they acquired the only VIP 767-400 in the world, which originally was the prototype Northrop Grumman E-10 MC2A.

Belarus

The airline Belavia operates a Boeing 767-300ER, a Boeing 737 Business Jet, and a Tupolev Tu-154M on behalf of the government for use of the President and Prime Minister.

The aircraft, instead of being painted sky blue as other Belavia planes, is painted in red and green. These colors are derived from the national flag. The English and Belarusian name of the country, "Беларусь", appear near the door on both sides in red. On the tail-fin of the plane, the national emblem appears in full color.

Belgium

For the transport of the royal family and the members of the Government, Belgium has the following aircraft from the 15th Wing Transport of the Air Component of the Armed Forces: one leased Airbus A321-231, two Dassault Falcon 20 modernised in 2004, one Dassault Falcon 900 for the transport of (V)VIP over very long distances in exceptional comfort conditions, two Embraer ERJ 135 and two Embraer ERJ 145.^[10]

Benin

The Government of Benin operated a Boeing 727 in 2015.^[11]

Bolivia

The Bolivian Air Force operates a Sabreliner business-jet, acquired in 1975 for use by the President and government officials. In July 2010, the Bolivian government bought a Dassault Falcon 900EX for use by the President. In July 2013, the Bolivian government acquire a Dassault Falcon 50EX, the aircraft will be used exclusively by the Executive Body. The Bolivian government also authorizes the Ministry of Defence buying an aircraft Beechcraft King Air 250 and an aircraft Beechcraft King Air 350i for to upgrade aircraft fleet of the Bolivian Air Force.

• 1 x Falcon 900EX EASy M-ATOS used as Presidential Aircraft.
• 1 x Dassault Falcon 50EX used by the executive branch.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina operated a Cessna Citation I and a Cessna CitationJet in 2015.^[11]

Botswana

The Botswana Defence Force operated a Bombardier Global Express in 2015.^[11] It previously operated a Gulfstream IV as a VIP transport.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, 28th Air Detachment operates an Airbus A319, Dassault Falcon 2000, 2 Mil Mi-8 and Agusta AW 109 Power helicopters for use by the President, the Prime Minister and other state officials.

Brazil

The main Presidential aircraft used by the Brazilian Government is a modified Airbus A319, designated by the Brazilian Air Force as VC-1A and officially christened as the "Santos-Dumont", after the Brazilian aviation pioneer. The VC-1A is used for transporting the President on international medium and long-range travel. For short-range flights the President is transported in one of the two modified Embraer 190 presidential jets. When an aircraft is transporting the President of Brazil it uses the callsign Força Aérea 01 (Brazilian Air Force One), ICAO code BRS01.

The Special Transport Group (GTE) of the Brazilian Air Force is responsible for transporting the President, the Vice-President and senior ministers of the Brazilian Government. The GTE comprises 22 aircraft:

• A modified VIP-configured Airbus A319 (VC-1A) "Santos-Dumont" used on all international flights carrying the President.
• Two modified VIP-configured Embraer 190 jets, "Bartolomeu de Gusmão" and "Augusto Severo", used on domestic and regional flights carrying the President.
• Two VIP-configured Eurocopter Super Puma (VH-34) presidential helicopters.
• Two VIP-configured Embraer ERJ-135 (VC-99C) aircraft.
• Ten Embraer ERJ-145 (C-99A) aircraft.
• Three Gates Learjet 35 (VU-35) jets.

The fleet is headquartered at the Brasília Air Force Base (BABR).

Brunei Darussalam

His Majesty The Sultan's Flight (HMSF) has several aircraft in VIP configuration, designed by Reese Design and modified by L3 Communications, on which to travel internationally. The fleet of aircraft is used exclusively for the Sultan of Brunei and members of the Royal Family.

• Boeing 767-200ER In service 1992. Bought for approx $113m and $120m outfit
• Boeing 747-400 In service 1990. Bought for approx $100m and $120m outfit
• Airbus A340-200 In service 1997. Bought for approx $100m and $120m outfit
• 2 x Sikorsky S-70A In service 1997

Bulgaria

The government of Bulgaria operated an Airbus A319 and Dassault Falcon 2000 in 2015.^[12]

Burkina Faso

The government of Burkina Faso operated two Boeing 727s in 2015.^[12]

Burundi

The government of Burundi operated a Gulfstream IV in 2015.^[12]

Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia operated an Airbus A320 in 2015.^[12]

Cameroon

The government of Cameroon operated a Gulfstream III in 2015.^[12]

Canada

The Royal Canadian Air Force operates five Airbus A310-300s (CC-150 Polaris), flown by crews of 437 Transport Squadron based at CFB Trenton; four are configured as normal airliners with cargo transport and aerial refuelling capability, while one, No. 001, is operated in a VIP configuration and charged with flying the Queen of Canada, other members of the Royal Family, the Governor General of Canada, the Prime Minister of Canada, and other high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries. The CC-150 Polaris is primarily used for long distance trips; for short distance trips, four Bombardier Challenger 604 business jets (CC-144), operated by 412 Squadron are used.^[13][14]

Chad

The government of Chad operated a McDonnell Douglas MD-87 in 2015.^[15]

Chile

The transportation of the President was in charge of the formerly state-owned flag carrier Lan Airlines, providing a Boeing 707 or a Boeing 737-200.

Nowadays, the transportation is under the responsibility of the Chilean Air Force, which operates the following aircraft:

• 1 Boeing 737-500
• 1 Beechcraft 200 King Air
• 1 Gulfstream IV
• 1 Boeing 767-300ER.^[16] This aircraft was bought to replace the Boeing 737 in transcontinental flights. As of 2009 it is the only VIP FACh aircraft which uses the standard Chilean military livery, considering its multipurpose as VIP and freight transporter.

Formerly, FACh used a Boeing 707-320C which is still in service for military purposes.

China

Air transportation for the President, Premier or government officials of China is managed and operated by the 34th division of People's Liberation Army Air Force. Eight Boeing 737-300s and two 737-700s are used for these missions.

A Boeing 767-300ER was purchased by the Chinese government for use by President Jiang Zemin in 2000. This Boeing 767 was originally ordered by Delta Air Lines. An international incident occurred in 2001 when the government claimed it had discovered 27 bugs embedded in the aircraft's interior; the plane had been refitted in San Antonio, Texas. It had since been converted back to a normal passenger airliner and transferred to Air China as B-2499.

A commercial Air China Boeing 747-4J6 is converted for international travel when necessary. The plane is registered as B-2472. It is specially configured and does not operate any commercial service.^[17]

The PLAAF 34th division was formed in 1959. Types of aircraft formerly used for VIP air transportation including Vickers Viscount, Ilyushin Il-18 and Hawker Siddeley Trident. The plane which crashed in Mongolia in 1971, carrying defecting marshal Lin Biao, was a Trident registered as CAAC B-256, piloted by Pan Jingyin (潘景寅), deputy commander of the 34th division.

Hong Kong SAR

The chief executive of Hong Kong travels on commercial aircraft, usually operated by Cathay Pacific. He travels within the territory on helicopters operated by the Government Flying Service.

Macau SAR

The Chief Executive of Macau travels abroad (and to mainland China destinations) on commercial aircraft operated by Air Macau, the de facto flag carriers of the territory. As Macau is a small locale, there is no need for air travel within the territory.

Colombia

In 1933, Colombia acquired its first presidential transport airplane, a Junkers Ju 52/3m, one of the most advanced aircraft of that time. It served former President Enrique Olaya Herrera until its retirement from service in 1950. From 1953 to 1972, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster served as presidential airplane starting with the dictatorship of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (1953–57).

In 1972 a new Fokker F28-1000 became the presidential airplane during the presidency of Misael Pastrana Borrero.

In 2005, Colombia acquired the following aircraft for presidential transport:

Airplanes	Quantity
Boeing 737	1
Fokker 28	2
Embraer Legacy 600	1
Lear Jet 60	1

Helicopter	Quantity
Helicopter Bell 412	2
Helicopter Sikorsky UH60	1

Costa Rica

The Air Surveillance Service is a department of the Ministry of Public Security which is in charge of police surveillance in airspace. This department has a Beechcraft King Air F90-1 and MD 600N helicopter. First the aircraft are available for surveillance and second for transporting the President of Costa Rica and other government dignitaries.

Croatia

The Government Agency is responsible for transporting of the Croatian President, the Prime Minister and other Croatian government officials. It operates a Challenger CL-604, a low-visibility grey VIP-configured Croatian Air Force Mi-8MTV-1 is used for helicopter transport.

Cuba

Transportation for the Cuban President is the responsibility of Cubana de Aviación, one of Cuba's state-owned airlines. Although the entire fleet is available for presidential use, the most commonly used aircraft are 2 Ilyushin Il-96.

The government of Cuba operated a Ilyushin Il-62 and Ilyushin Il-96 in 2015.^[18]

Czech Republic

The Czech Air Force operates two Airbus A319CJs, a Bombardier Challenger 600, two Yakovlev Yak-40 aircraftr and Mil Mi-8 helicopters for VIP transport, primarily that of the President, Prime Minister, and members of Government and Parliament of the Czech Republic.

Denmark

The Royal Danish Air Force operates four Challenger CL-604 for VIP transport, primarily that of the government and The Danish Royal Family. These airplanes are also used for environmental control and fishery control around Greenland and the North Sea. Furthermore, the Danish Royal Family have one AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin at their disposal. Ministers also fly on commercial airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines.

Dominican Republic

The Air Force of the Dominican Republic or Fuerza Aérea de República Dominicana maintains the presidential helicopter fleet, which includes a Bell 430 and Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin and Eurocopter EC155 models, to transport the President of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medina. For overseas and long distance travel the president is transported on a Aero Commander 500.

The government of the Dominican Republic operated a Beech Super King Air in 2015.^[18]

Ecuador

Ecuador has a Dassault Falcon 7X and an Embraer Legacy 600 for presidential long and short range transport respectively, both acquired in recent years by Rafael Correa's government. They replaced an older fleet of Rockwell Sabreliners and Avro 748s. Aircraft from the flag-carrier airline TAME's fleet, including Airbus A319 and Embraer E-Jets can also be drafted for government use.

Egypt

The government of Egypt operated an Airbus A340-200 along with a number of business jets including the Gulfstream IV and Dassault Falcon 20s in 2015.^[19]

The first presidential airplane in Egypt was given as a gift from Saudi Arabia to Egyptian President Sadat. Before that, the President of Egypt, Gamal Abdel Nasser, traveled using a rented airplane from the National Egyptian Air company, Egypt Air.

El Salvador

El Salvador's President Mauricio Funes uses a de luxe version of the Bell 412 helicopter for local flights. The President also has military planes, helicopters and a presidential turboprop for his use.

For international flights, a Beechjet 400A is used from its base at Ilopango Airport in the capital, San Salvador.

Eritrea

The government of Eritrea operated a Bombardier Challenger in 2015.^[20]

France

The Escadron de transport, d'entrainement et de calibration 00.065 (ETEC 65, "Transportation, training and calibration squadron") is the unit of the French Air Force, under direct command of the Minister of Defence, in charge of the transportation of the President, the Prime Minister and other French government officials.

The ETEC operates 4 Dassault Falcon 50, 2 Dassault Falcon 900, 2 Dassault Falcon 7X and an Airbus A330-200. Additionally, the unit operates three VIP-configured Super Puma helicopters.

French officials also use the planes of the Escadron de transport 3/60 Esterel, which operates 3 Airbus A310-304 and 2 Airbus A340-200s.

In 2009, the French National Assembly approved a specific budget of 185 million euros for the purchase and modification of an Airbus A330-223 from Air Caraibes to be reserved for the exclusive use of the President of the Republic.

Air France chartered flights were also used by French officials, most notably Concorde when it was still in service with that airline.

Gabon

The government of Gabon operated a Boeing 777 along with a number of business jets in 2015.^[21]

Gambia

The government of Gambia operated a Boeing 727 and Bombardier Challenger in 2015, the previously used Ilyushin Il-62 was stored.^[21]

Germany

The airfleet used by Germany's senior government officials consists of eleven aircraft:

• 2 x Airbus A340-313X VIP including the "Konrad Adenauer"
• 2 x Airbus A319-133X CJ
• 4 x Bombardier Global 5000
• 3 x Eurocopter AS532 Cougar

They use two Airbus A340-313X VIP aircraft, previously of Germany's Lufthansa, redesigned by Lufthansa Technik in a VIP configuration, including sleeping rooms and an anti-missile system.^[22] The airplanes are named after Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of (West) Germany, and Theodor Heuss, its first President. Until 2011 Germany's government officials used two Airbus A310-304 VIP carrying the same names, previously of East Germany's Interflug.

Georgia

Georgian Airways operated single Bombardier Challenger 850 since 2007 to carry President of Georgia and Government. In 2011 Gulfstream 450 was added to inventory, possibly replacing Challenger in VIP transport role.^[23]

Ghana

The government of Ghana operated a Dassault Falcon 900EX in 2015.^[24]

Greece

Greece's prime minister has a Gulfstream V at his disposal, which is under the operational command of the Hellenic Air Force. The airplane was bought by the government of Costas Simitis for the needs of Greece's 2003 EU presidency and the preparations of the 2004 Olympic Games. The VIP transport squadron (112 Combat Wing at the Elefsis Air Force Base) of the Hellenic Air Force also operates two Embraer business jets. For long haul flights the Prime Minister and other officials used one of the Airbus A340-300x's from the government owned Olympic Airlines when they were still in service. The A340 aircraft were used for the official visit of the Greek Prime minister to Australia in 2007.

Two other aircraft used over the last two decades for the same purpose raised controversy. A Dassault Falcon 900, had a range of technical problems culminating in an accident that cost the life of the deputy minister of foreign affairs Giannos Kranidiotis and five other people due to severe in-flight pitch oscillations 20 minutes before landing at Bucharest on 9 September 1999.^[25]

Under executive order 2954/28-8-12, the Greek government bestowed the 30-seat Embraer to the Hellenic Air Force to be used for pilot training, patient airlift and organ transplant transportation.

Honduras

The Honduran President used an IAI Westwind aircraft owned by the Honduran Air Force until October 2014 when it was changed for an Embraer Legacy 600^[26]

India

Air India One (AIC001) is the call-sign of any aircraft with the President of India, or the Prime Minister of India on board.^[27] Since 2003, four Boeing 747-437B, equipped with jamming equipment, anti-missile systems and air-to-air refuelling facility, have been used as Air India One. The aircraft are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF's Air Headquarters Communications Squadron, based at Indira Gandhi International Airport (formerly Palam Air Force Base) in New Delhi, is in charge of operating these aircraft. Other than the AirIndia One, there are three more aircraft used when President, Vice President or Prime Minister makes domestic tours. These are specially designed Boeing 737BBJ named Rajdoot, Rajhans and Rajkamal.

Current Fleet^[28]

The Government of India uses Air India aircraft for the overseas transportation of its officials. Other Union Cabinet ministers and government officials may travel in AI-001 with the Prime Minister's consent. For domestic travel, the Prime Minister and the President use an Indian Air Force Boeing 737-200, which is also equipped with security specifications. In 2008, the Indian Air Force inducted three Boeing Business Jets which are used by VVIP Government officials. These aircraft have a range of 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) and are fitted with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids. The jets are also equipped with an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield and electronic counter measures so as to provide protection from any ground-based or air-borne threats.^[29]

Indonesia

As a sprawling vast archipelagic nation,^[30] the Indonesian President needs a reliable, safe and secure VVIP air transportation quite frequently, either to visit Indonesian provinces, as well as to attend international summits, meetings or to pay official foreign visits. Since April 2014, Indonesia has acquired Indonesia One, an aircraft dedicated solely for presidential use. This aircraft allows the president and his entourage to enjoy cross-continental trips in ease.^[31]

Prior of having their own aircraft, the President of Indonesia and the Vice President formerly used aircraft chartered from Garuda Indonesia for air travel. Boeing 737-800s were used for domestic flights and short-range international flights; and Airbus A330-300s were used for most overseas trips and state visits. The Indonesian Air Force also has special VIP squadrons for the President, Vice President and government ministers. These are the 17th Air Squadron (Indonesian: Skadron Udara 17) operating Avro RJ85, Boeing 737-200, Boeing 737-400, Fokker F27-400, Fokker F28-1000 and Lockheed C-130 Hercules fixed-wing aircraft; and the 45th Air Squadron (Indonesian: Skadron Udara 45) flying Aérospatiale AS 332L-1 Super Puma helicopters. All those aircraft and helicopters are based at Halim Perdanakusuma Airforce Base, Jakarta. Almost all presidential flights depart from there.

On 10 April 2014, Indonesian presidential aircraft was delivered to Jakarta.^[32] The government claimed the cost of operating its own aircraft would be lower than chartering Garuda aircraft.^[33][34] The aircraft is the Boeing Business Jet variant of the 737-800. The aircraft specifications were designed to meet the specific safety requirements and security standards of Indonesia's VVIP air transportation,^[35] which includes a modest counter-sabotage self-defense system.^[31]

Iran

Until the early 2010s, the president and other high-ranking government officials of Iran are still using the aged but famous Shahin, a special VIP designed Boeing 707 which was ordered and purchased by the Shah of Iran in the 1970s. It was initially far more luxuriously outfitted than US Air Force One, but after the Iranian Revolution it was redesigned as a normal VIP aircraft. Another VIP airliner, an Airbus A321 which was purchased during the 1990s, is also used on medium range trips of high officials like the Foreign Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. The other VIP planes in use by the government consist of 1 Dassault Falcon 20, 3 Dassault Falcon 50 and 1 Lockheed JetStar all operated by the Iranian Air Force, and an Airbus A340-300, operated (along with the A321) by Meraj Airlines. The government of Iran had also occasionally chartered an A340-300 from Mahan Air prior to the acquisition of the current A340-300. The government of Iran also owns a Boeing 727 but it is stored in Iran and no longer used. The interior retains its VIP configuration ordered by Henry Ford II in the 1960s.

Iraq

Before 2014, the government used a plane Boeing 767-200

Former President Saddam Hussein had his own personal 747SP for his travel as well as few Boeing 727s and Falcons for Governmental use.

Ireland

The Irish Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is part of the Irish Air Corps, it provides secure transport to the President of Ireland, An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste, and members of the government and their staff, both within and outside Ireland.

A Learjet 45 is currently used. Until recently, a Gulfstream IV was also part of the fleet.^[36] The Air Corps AW139 helicopters are also used as government transport.^[37]

Israel

The State of Israel does not currently possess a specific jet for use of its Heads of State. Whenever the current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flies long distances (out of the country), the Government leases an airliner from the El Al, the country's flag carrier. Meanwhile, the President Reuven Rivlin and other high ranking dignitaries are relegated to El Al first class commercial service. As of 2014, the Knesset is considering the purchase of such an airplane, dubbed "Israeli Air Force One".

Italy

• 1 x Airbus A340-541
• 3 x Airbus A319CJ (1 retired and for sale)
• 3 x Falcon 900EC (2 retired and for sale since 15.3.2015)
• 2 x Falcon 900EAsy
• 2 x Dassault Falcon 50EX
• 2 x Agusta Westland AW-139

The Italian Air Force operates three Airbus Corporate Jets. One Airbus is equipped with 30 seats for use by the Prime Minister or President, the other aircraft each have 50 seats for use of government officials. Two smaller Dassault Falcon 50 and five Dassault Falcon 900 (3 EC and 2 EASy) are also used for government transport. Two AgustaWestland AW139 are operated for use by the President and government officials, and are also used by the Pope. All aircraft and helicopters are operated by the 31st Wing based in Rome Ciampino Airport.

Ivory Coast

The Ivorian government uses a Gulfstream IV as a VIP aircraft. Furthermore, they also use a government Boeing 727-200WGL.

Japan

Japan maintains two Boeing 747-400 aircraft mostly for the Prime Minister, the Emperor, Empress and other members of the Imperial Family, operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

They have the radio callsigns Japanese Air Force One and Japanese Air Force Two when operating on official business, and Cygnus One and Cygnus Two when operating outside of official business (e.g., on training flights).[2] The aircraft always fly together on government missions, with one serving as the primary transport and the other serving as a backup with maintenance personnel on board. The aircraft are officially referred to as Japanese government exclusive aircraft (日本国政府専用機 Nippon-koku seifu sen'yōki).

The aircraft were constructed at the Boeing factory at the same time as the U.S. Air Force One VC-25s, though the U.S. aircraft were built to the 747-200 design, while the Japanese aircraft were built to the more contemporary 747-400 design. Both Japanese aircraft were delivered in 1990.^[38] The 747s will be replaced by new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in fiscal year 2019.^[39]

Jordan

The King of Jordan uses an Airbus A340-600 Prestige operated by Royal Jordanian. The members of the royal family and government officials also use an Airbus A318-112 Elite.

Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan government fleet consists of the following aircraft (August 2015):

• 1 x Boeing 737-700 BBJ
• 1 x Airbus A320
• 1 x Airbus A321
• 1 x Tupolev Tu-154
• 1 x Boeing 757
• 1 x Airbus A330-200

Kenya

The government of Kenya operated a Fokker 70 in 2015.^[40] Prior to the purchase of the Fokker, the Kenyan President primarily used Kenya Airways for his international travel.

North Korea

The North Korean Government has access to all of the Air Koryo fleet for official services. Although two of the Air Koryo Ilyushin Il-62M aircraft are designated VIP transport aircraft. These aircraft operate in basic Air Koryo livery but do not have any Air Koryo titles applied on the fuselage or under their wings. An Air Koryo Tupolev Tu-154 is also sometimes used for government travel.

The government of North Korea operated three Ilyushin Il-62Ms in 2015.^[41]

Kuwait

Until April 2013, the Emir of Kuwait used a Boeing 747; since then he has used one of two Airbus A340-500 airframes equipped with military defense equipment to protect the plane from any potential attacks. It is also used by the Crown Prince of Kuwait. A Boeing 747-8 is on order and to be used by the Emir in future.

The rest of the official state aircraft used by senior ruling family members and cabinet members:

• 1 x Airbus A300
• 1 x Airbus A310 carry the Emir's security, which flies 48 hours before the Emir's departure
• 1 x Airbus A319 used by the Government
• 1 x Airbus A320-200 used by the Government
• 2 x Airbus A340-500 used by the Emir of Kuwait, the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister.
• 1 x Boeing 737-900ER used by the Government
• 1 x Boeing 747-8 On order and to be used by the Emir of Kuwait
• 1 x Gulfstream G550 used by the Government
• 4 x Gulfstream V used by the Government

Kyrgyzstan

The government of Kyrgyzstan operated two Tupolev Tu-154Ms and a Boeing 737-400 in 2015.^[42]

Lebanon

For his local and regional trips, the Lebanese president uses a Lebanese Air Force VIP variant of AgustaWestland AW139 code named "Cedar 1", the helicopter was a gift from the Emir of Qatar HH Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The Lebanese president uses Middle East Airlines (MEA) jets for his international trips. MEA aircraft use "Cedar jet 001" as a special call sign when they are transporting the president.

Libya

The government of Libya operated an Airbus A340-200 and a Dassault Falcon 900EX in 2015.^[42]

Luxembourg

A private Cessna 550 Citation II, a Learjet 35A or even a 737-7C9 chartered from the luxembourgish flag carrier Luxair Luxembourg Airlines are sometimes used for governmental flights.^[43]

Macedonia

The government of Macedonia operated a Learjet 25B and a Learjet 60 in 2015.^[42]

Madagascar

The government of Madagascar operated a Boeing 737-300 in 2015.^[42]

Malawi

President Peter Mutharika travels abroad on a Dassault Falcon 900EX.

Malaysia

Malaysia's Prime Minister and Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Ruling Monarch) travel in an Airbus A320 registration 9M-NAB operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The Airbus A320 was purchased in 2015.^[44]

Mali

The government of Mali operated a Boeing 737-700/BBJ in 2015.^[45]

Mexico

As of 31 August 2011, the air fleet of the President of Mexico has a total of 18 aircraft which are described below:

• 1 x Boeing 787-8
• 1 x Boeing 757-200
• 2 x Boeing 737-300
• 2 x Gulfstream III
• 2 x Learjet 35A
• 1 x Rockwell Turbo Commander 695A
• 1 x Gulfstream GIV (operated by the Mexican Navy)
• 2 x Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma
• 5 x Aerospatiale AS332 Super Puma
• 2 x Aerospatiale SA330 Puma

In 2012, the Mexican government announced the acquisition through a 15-year lease of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. The new presidential aircraft will incorporate modern security systems. It has been delivered and now is under custom modifications and is expected to be fully operational in December 2015. The TP-01 was named José María Morelos y Pavón, President Enrique Peña Nieto used the aircraft for the first time at the Air Force 101st anniversary ceremony on February 10th, 2016.

Moldova

The airline Air Moldova operates a Yakovlev Yak-40 on behalf of the Moldovan Government, for use of the President and Prime Minister.

Monaco

The Prince and the Monegasque government (including the Prime minister) use a Dassault Falcon 7X based in the French airport Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. ^[46]

Mongolia

The Mongolian President and Prime Minister with other Parliament members use an Boeing 767-300ER or Boeing 737-800 for short to medium range from Government owned by MIAT Mongolian Airlines. In domestic routes head of Mongolia and other government officials use Saab 340B or Fokker 50 chartered from Eznis Airways and Aero Mongolia. Currently Mongolian Government is in talks with Cessna to purchase Cessna Citation jets. The number is unknown.

Montenegro

The Government of Montenegro operates one Learjet 45 for VIP transport.

Morocco

The Moroccan Air Force operates a fleet of VIP aircraft for use by Moroccan officials, including King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane:

• 1 x Boeing 737-8KB(BBJ2) for exclusive use by the King of Morocco and the royal family ;
• 2 x Citation XLS
• 2 x Citation V
• 1 x Falcon 50
• 1 x Falcon 100
• 1 x Gulfstream II
• 1 x Gulfstream III
• 1 x Gulfstream G550
• 1 x AgustaWestland AW139

A fleet of smaller jets, consisting mainly of Beechcraft Super King 200/350 airplanes, is also occasionally used for VIP-transport of the royal family, ministers and armed forces senior staff.

Namibia

The Namibian government uses a Dassault Falcon 7x and Dassault Falcon for VIP transport. Also Learjet 31A and soon to be acquired Learjet 45 plus two AW139 helicopters for Domestic use by VVIP

Nepal

Boeing 757-200 is the official air transport of the head of government of Nepal operated by Nepal Airlines (formerly known as Royal Nepal Airlines), which is the flag carrier airline of Nepal.

Netherlands

The Netherlands government operates a Fokker 70 as a means of transport for the Dutch Royal family and government officials, such as the prime minister and other ministers. It is used to attend international conferences, but also for private trips by the King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima. The registration is PH-KBX; PH for the Netherlands and KBX for 'Koningin BeatriX' or Queen Beatrix. The previous aircraft, a Fokker F28, was registered PH-PBX, with PBX for 'Princess BeatriX'. The aircraft is maintained by KLM Cityhopper. The aircraft is to be retired in 2017, in line with the withdrawal of the Fokker 70 from KLM Cityhopper's fleet.^[47]

A Gulfstream IV of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) is also available.

For long haul trips, aircraft belonging to the commercial airline Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) are used. Often the upper deck of a Boeing 747 is used. Sometimes the Fokker 70 is sent ahead; for the long stretch a KLM flight is used and for the final trip the Fokker. King Willem-Alexander has a Fokker 70/100 type rating and is often seen as pilot on these trips. To keep his licence current he sometimes flies with KLM Cityhopper on scheduled flights.

New Zealand

The Royal New Zealand Air Force maintains two Boeing 757-200s which are occasionally used to transport the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, various other government officials, as well as the Head of State and members of the Royal Family when on New Zealand business. As multi-role aircraft, they are more often used as transport aircraft for troops or freight. Generally, the Prime Minister and government officials use commercial or chartered flights (with Air New Zealand where available) to travel both domestically and internationally.

Niger

The Government of Niger use Boeing 737-200 Adv for official flights.

Nigeria

The Nigerian Air Force currently maintains a Boeing Business Jet (737) as a means of transport for the President of Nigeria. The plane is known as "Eagle One" and is marked NAF-001. The national colors of the Nigerian Flag (Green, White, Green), are painted in long horizontal stripes along the base of the white fuselage, the words "NIGERIAN AIR FORCE" are tagged on the top, and the Seal of the President of Nigeria is embossed on the tail. In addition, there is a Gulfstream V-SP, a Gulfstream 550, two Falcon 7Xs, a Do228-200, and 3 A139 choppers. The Falcon 900s (two), a GIV-SP, and G II were all sold. A Citation Bravo and Hawker 800 were returned to the Air Force.

Norway

The air transport of the King and Prime Minister of Norway is mostly handled by commercial airliners with the VIPs travelling as normal passengers. However, the Norwegian government will charter small private jets for government ministers when needed. The Royal Norwegian Air Force 717 Squadron at Rygge Air Station also maintain one Dassault Falcon 20 (5–9 passengers) for VIP-transport of the royal family, ministers and armed forces senior staff.

Oman

The Oman Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-400, Boeing 747SP, two Gulfstream IVs and an Airbus A320. These are used by the Sultan of Oman and members of his government.

Pakistan

Pakistan Government Transport, the government carrier, currently operates an Airbus A310 and one new Gulfstream Aerospace G-IV Gulfstream IV-SP to transport government officials for the President and Prime Minister's use. The plane is commonly called "PAK ONE", the callsign under which it operates. The government also used Boeing 747 in the past from Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier.

Before it came into service, Boeing 707s had served as the primary presidential aircraft. President Muhammad Zia-ul-haq used a Lockheed C-130B Hercules for his trips. Previous Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto used a Boeing 737 for their official trips. The airliner was maintained by Pakistan Government Transport. The Pakistan Air Force plans to purchase a Gulfstream V for transportation of high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries. These aircraft are based at Chaklala Airbase near the capital city of Islamabad.

PIA always transports the presidents and Prime Ministers of Pakistan on overseas visits. During the late 1990s, Prime Minister Sharif's government bought a Boeing 737-300 for official use. Initially it wore a government colour scheme, and eventually a partial PIA 1990s livery was adopted as the aircraft was given to PIA for commercial use while it was not on official duty.

However, when the government changed after a military coup in 1999, the Boeing B737 was transferred to PIA permanently. The President and Prime Minister then resorted to using two of PIA's Airbus A310-300 for official visits, while rare trips were done on regular commercial flights of the airline. In February 2007 the government of Qatar gifted one of their VIP fleet A310[25] to the Pakistani government, this has ended the need for PIA planes.

A new executive jet was acquired for use by former President Pervez Musharraf, raising the number of aircraft in the VVIP fleet to 14. The 10-seater Learjet is one of the three planes whose procurement was approved by former prime minister Shaukat Aziz.

The country's VVIP fleet includes Gulfstream IV, Cessna Citation V, Cessna Citation Excel, Learjet 35, Learjet 45 XR, Raytheon Hawker 400, Falcon 20, Cessna Conquest II, Bell 412 helicopters (3) Mi-17 helicopter Airbus A310-300 and now the new LearJet.

Two other jets ordered may land in Pakistan after the elections. These jets are for personal use of president and prime minister.

The value of the new luxury jet was about $60 million, as reported by Dawn on 30 November 2007.

Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority operates a leased Bombardier Challenger 604 and Lockheed JetStar II, both carry the same tail markings as Palestinian Airlines.

Peru

The official aircraft of the President of Peru is a Boeing 737-500 acquired in 1995 during Alberto Fujimori's presidency and has been controversial since, mainly due to the scandals that occurred with it during Alejandro Toledo's administration.

It has been consistently reported that 169–176 kg of cocaine (the quantity depends on the source) were found in the aircraft in 1996.^[48] This incident actually occurred on 11 May of that year, but the aircraft in question was a Peruvian Air Force Douglas DC-8 in cargo configuration (that operated as presidential aircraft until the acquisition of the Boeing and could explain the confusion) that was about to depart on a mission to Russia (with stopovers at the Canary Islands and Bordeaux), carrying military aviation equipment for maintenance.^[49] The scandal remains a mystery as of today, because the drug's origin and destiny were never determined and the investigations were compromised by Fujimori's corrupt government (one of the crew members was his aide-de-camp) and his shadowy intelligence advisor Vladimiro Montesinos (himself a former army member and head of the now-disbanded and infamous SIN). Only the material authors, a bunch of low-ranking officers, were processed, and were later acquitted, as Montesinos himself in 2012.^[50][51]

The aircraft sports the Marca Perú's logo on the vertical fin, a white fuselage with a black underbelly with red pinstripes, and the words "República del Perú" adorning the sides, with the Coat of Arms of Peru displayed on the side. It carries a crew of six, the President of the Republic of Peru and thirty passengers.

Philippines

The 250th Presidential Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force is used to transport the President of the Philippines and the First Family. On occasion, the wing has also been tasked to provide transportation for other members of government, visiting heads of state, and other state guests.

The fleet includes: 1 Fokker F28, which is primarily used for the President's domestic trips and it is also called "Kalayaan ("Freedom") One" when the President is on board, 1 Fokker F-27 aircraft, 4 Bell 412 helicopters, 3 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters, and 1 Sikorsky S-70A-5 Black Hawk. For trips outside of the Philippines, the President uses a Bombardier Learjet 60 or charters appropriate aircraft from Philippine Airlines. The aircraft with the callsign PR 001 is a special plane operated by Philippine Airlines to transport the President.

During the Second World War, the presidential aircraft was a Mitsubishi MC-20. Prior to 1962, the Air Force chartered aircraft from Pan American World Airways as the international services of Philippine Airlines were suspended. For shorter flights, Boeing 737s were initially used and have since been replaced by the Airbus A320.

For medium- to long-haul flights, Boeing 747-400s were initially used; their roles are now being fulfilled by the Airbus A340-300. If A340-300 is not available, the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-300ER are also used for medium- to long- haul flights.

In 1986, the squadron of presidential aircraft consisted of: one Boeing 707, one BAC-111, one YS-11, one F-28, one S-62A, two UH-1N, one Puma, and two S-70AS.

Poland

Since May 2010 the Government of Poland operates two Embraer ERJ-175LR (ERJ-170-200LR) leased from LOT Polish Airlines to carry out state flights.

In the past, Polish Air Force operated two modified Tupolev Tu-154Ms, additionally a number of Yakovlev Yak-40 and PZL M28 Bryza fixed-wing aircraft, Mil Mi-8, PZL W-3 Sokół and Bell 412 helicopters were used for domestic transportation. Tu-154 tail number 101, carrying the President of Poland Lech Kaczyński, was destroyed during 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash on 10 April 2010. On 4 December 2003, a Polish Air Force Mi-8 carrying the Polish prime minister crashed in a forest near Warsaw. Even though the helicopter was lost, all 15 people on board survived. The remaining Tu-154M, No. 102, was retired along with all Air Force Yak-40s in 2011, while 36th Regiment was disbanded.^[52] 1st Air Base in Warsaw still operates VIP helicopters.

Portugal

The Portuguese Air Force operates three Dassault Falcon 50 built in 1990 for use by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, as well as cabinet members and other dignitaries when appropriate. They are operated by the 504 Squadron "Lynxes", based at the Lisbon Military Airfield (AT1).

Additionally, for similar use, the Portuguese Air Force maintained three Dassault Falcon 20 built in 1984, bought from FedEx as cargo aircraft and converted to VIP configuration maintaining the outsized cargo door. These aircraft are no longer operational, the last one being used as an Aeronautical Navigation Calibration aircraft. One of them is on display at the Air Museum (Museu do Ar), located in the area of the Sintra Air Base (BA1).

The three Dassault Falcon 50 are also often used for long range emergency human organ transports and medical evacuation, mainly from and to the Portuguese islands of Azores and Madeira.

Usually, TAP Portugal, SATA Air Açores or EuroAtlantic Airways aircraft are used for long range VIP flights, these being either Airbus A340 or Airbus A330.

Romania

The government of Romania uses a Cessna Citation V.

Russia

Russia State Transport Company operates two Ilyushin Il-96-300PU for use of the President of Russia. At least one of the aircraft was refitted as a VIP transport in 2001 by a British company for a price of GBP 10 million. The aircraft has the word "Россия" displayed in large Cyrillic letters across the upper side. As pictures leaked to the Internet in 2007 indicate, the luxurious refit included gold-plated bathroom fittings, marble floors, silk-lined walls and other expensive amenities.^[53] The aircraft is reported to have an escape capsule, much like the one featured in the film Air Force One.^[38]

The Russian government fleet consists of the following aircraft (August 2015):

Aircraft	In Fleet	Orders
Airbus ACJ319	2	—
Antonov An-148	6	—
Ilyushin Il-62M	1	—
Ilyushin Il-96-300	8	—
Tupolev Tu-154M	3	—
Tupolev Tu-204-300	2	—
Tupolev Tu-214	13	—
Total	24	—

Rwanda

The government of Rwanda uses a Yakovlev Yak-40 trijet.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian Royal Flight operates a Boeing 747-300 and a Boeing 747-400 for use by the King of Saudi Arabia.

Serbia

The Avio Service of Serbia is responsible for transporting the Serbian President, the Prime Minister and other Serbian government officials. It operates a Dassault Falcon 50 and a Learjet 31A. The Ministry of the interior uses a Sikorsky S-76. The government sometimes also uses Yakovlev Yak-40 aircraft of the Serbian Air Force.

Singapore

The President, Prime Minister of Singapore and government officials typically travel on regular scheduled commercial flights run by Singapore Airlines.

However, on rare occasions or short trips, government officials may travel on one of the few passenger-configured Fokker-50 operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Slovakia

The Slovak Government Flying Service operates two Tupolev Tu-154, two Yakovlev Yak-40s and 4 helicopters Mi-171 for use by the President, Prime Minister and government officials. The Prime minister has also on several occasions used commercial flights to show he is saving public funds. At the same time aircraft of the Slovak Government Flying Service have flown without passengers for training of pilots.

Slovenia

The Slovenian Armed Forces operate a Dassault Falcon 2000 EX for VIP transport, primarily of the President, Prime Minister, and members of the Government. The Government has decided in early 2015 to use the aircraft for medical transportation of body organs.

Somalia

The government of Somalia operated a Beech 1900D turboprop.

South Africa

The President of South Africa travels in a Boeing 737 (BBJ) operated by the South African Air Force's 21 Squadron, which is based at AFB Waterkloof near Pretoria; the executive capital, i.e. the seat of the executive branch of the South African government.

21 Squadron also operates a fleet of two Falcon 50 and a Falcon 900B Fleet, 550/1 Citation II, and a Global Express XRS is hired to escort the President on long flights as a back-up aircraft. The Falcon 900 is normally used by the Deputy President and high-ranking cabinet ministers.

In 2015 the South African president, president Jacob Zuma, had asked Armscor to procure a business jet with the capability of carrying at least 30 passengers and travel long range distances which is much larger than the current presidential jet (Inkwazi). Although still uncertain which private jet the presidency will choose jet models being considered include the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A340.^[54][55]

Callsign- South Africa 1 (one).

South Korea

As of April 2010, the President of the Republic of Korea uses 2 CASA CN-235s, a Boeing 737-300 aircraft and a Boeing 747-400, leased from Korean Air for next five years. The livery consists of a largely white body with a coloured cheatline. The first portion of the line is red while the rest of the line is blue.

A similar blue and red design is on the tail. The country's name is written in both Korean and English on the side and the flag is on the tail and behind the door. The plane's registration is 85101. The Sikorsky S-92 is the presidential helicopter.

Spain

The Spanish Air Force (Spanish: Ejército del Aire) operates 2 customized Airbus A310,^[56] 5 Falcon 900, for transportation of the King, the President of the Government, high-ranking government officials and the Spanish Royal Family. These transportation services are provided by the 45th Group of the Air Force, based in Torrejón Air Base, 24 kilometers (15 mi) away from Madrid. A new unit, an Airbus 330, is pending approval by the Council of Ministers of Spain. This will be the new official plane of the King and the President of the Government of Spain.

Sri Lanka

The President, Prime Minister and government officials typically travel on regular scheduled commercial flights run by SriLankan Airlines.

However, domestic travel for senior government officials and VIPs are provided by the No. 4 (VIP) Helicopter Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force using 7 Bell 412EPs.

Sudan

The President of Sudan Omar al-Bashir typically travel on a Ilyushin Il-62 and a Dassault Falcon 50 . Two Mil Mi-17 VIP helicopters are also used for domestic air transport .

Suriname

An Airbus A340-311 is chartered from Surinam Airways and has been used for international and long haul flights. For regional flights in the Caribbean, North-, Central-, and South America a Boeing 737-300 is also chartered from Surinam Airways. For domestic flights, a helicopter is chartered from Hi-Jet Helicopter Services.

Swaziland

The government of Swaziland operates a McDonnell Douglas MD-87.

Sweden

The Swedish Air Force Transport Squadron Bromma (Stockholm), based on Stockholm-Bromma Airport in the City of Stockholm, operates the State Flight (Swedish: Statsflyget). It forms part of the Transport and Special Flying Unit (TSFE, Swedish: Transport och Specialflygenheten), which in its turn is a part of the Skaraborg Wing (F 7). Currently it operates two Gulfstream IV aircraft and one Gulfstream G550 in the VIP transport role.^[57]

The Air Force also operates three Saab 340 in the VIP transport role.

The use of the State Flight is regulated in the State Flight Ordinance (Swedish: Statsflygsförordningen) issued by the Government of Sweden.^[58] All aircraft serve the official transport needs of His Majesty the King and other members of the Swedish Royal Family, the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers, and senior Swedish Armed Forces officers.

Switzerland

The Swiss Air Force operates a fleet of three small VIP transport aircraft:^[59]

• one Dassault Falcon 900EX
• one Cessna 560XL Citation Excel
• one Dassault Falcon 900

These aircraft are mainly used by members of the Swiss Federal Council. Travel arrangements are coordinated by the Government Travel Centre in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The Cessna is to be replaced with a Swiss-built PC-24 of Pilatus Aircraft.^[60]

The 6th Air Transport Squadron also operates two Eurocopter EC635 as VIP transport helicopters and has a number of Super Puma helicopters at its disposal, one of which is configured constantly as a VIP transport for domestic use and another one can be configured for VIP transport.

Syria

The President of Syria Bashar al-Assad use two Airbus A340-313X VIP aircraft, in a VIP configuration, including sleeping rooms and an anti-missile system. Two Mil Mi-8 VIP helicopters are also used for domestic air transport.

Callsign- Syria 1 (one).

Taiwan

Air transportation for the President or other high-ranking officials of Taiwan is operated by the Republic of China Air Force using a customized Boeing 737-800 delivered from Boeing in 2001 called the Air Force 3701.^[61] This aircraft operates out of Taipei's Songshan Airport and is not usually permitted to fly to countries without diplomatic relations with the ROC. Instead, a Boeing 747 operated by Taiwan's national airline, China Airlines, is used for long-haul trips by the President and his staff. In addition, another three Fokker 50 turboprop perform the executive jet role for the Vice President of the Republic, premier, and other senior officials.

Tanzania

The Tanzania Government Flight Agency operates a Gulfstream G550 for VIP transports. They are 2 other VIP aircraft a Fokker F-50 and F-28 for internal and regional destinations as well.

Thailand

The Royal Thai Air Force's 602 Royal Guard Squadron operates a Boeing 737-800 for the Royal family flight.

The Royal Thai Air Force's 402 Royal Guard Squadron, a helicopter unit, uses Bell 412STs for Royal flights. The helicopters are expected to be replaced, as they are approaching the lifetime limit for VIP duty. The replacement for these helicopters are Sikorsky S-92 Superhawk.

Although available upon their request, members of the royal family usually fly on commercial flights operated by the national carrier, Thai Airways International, when traveling outside of the kingdom.

The Thai government operates one Airbus A340-500, one Airbus A319CJ, and two Embraer ERJ-135LR's as government transports. The A340-500, and the A319CJ are maintained by Thai Airways International, the Embraer ERJ-135LRs are maintained by Royal Thai Army.

Tunisia

The government of Tunisia operates a Boeing 737 BBJ. An Airbus A340-500 has also been purchased and VIP configured, but was never used for official travel and has been stored since the 2011 revolution that ousted former dictator Ben Ali. The Tunisian government is reportedly trying to sell both aircraft.^[62]

Turkey

The government of Turkey has a VIP fleet which is managed by Turkish Airlines on behalf of the President of the Republic and Prime Minister. The fleet primarily consists of an Airbus A319 CJ(TC-ANA) and a highly modified and armed (Air Defense missiles) Airbus A330-200 PRESTIGE (TC-TUR). The fleet additionally contains 2 G550, 2 GIV and 2 Cessna Citation V. When the President of the Turkish Republic of any aircraft the call-sign is "Turkish Republic One- Heavy".

Turkmenistan

The President of Turkmenistan utilizes a specially-configured Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner aircraft, painted in the colors of national airline Turkmenistan Airlines.

Uganda

In February 2009, a Gulfstream 550 was delivered to the Government of Uganda for use by the President of Uganda. It replaced a Gulfstream IV-SP that had been in service since 2000.^[63] In addition, the Ugandan president uses Mil Mi-17 registered to the Uganda People's Defence Force for internal flights.

Ukraine

Ukraine Air Enterprise operates a single Airbus A319 and single Antonov An-148 for VIP flights.

United Kingdom

No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron of the Royal Air Force maintains a fleet of Agusta A109 helicopters and BAE-146 regional airliners to support travel by the Royal Family, the Prime Minister and senior members of the British Government, secondary to their military duties.^[64] Additionally, chartering airliners (typically British Airways or Virgin Atlantic) and use of scheduled commercial services is commonly practiced owing to the lack of passenger capacity and a lack of transcontinental capability in the RAF's VIP aircraft fleet. The UK is the only G20 nation not to have a dedicated long range Head of State/Government aircraft like France's A330 or Germany's two A340s.

In November 2015, it was announced that a RAF Voyager A330, which had served as an air-to-air refuelling tanker, would be converted for use by the UK government and Royal family.^[65]

The Queen's helicopter, a Sikorsky S-76+ G-XXEB is black with claret, which is the same colors as the Bentley State Limousine

On visits to Commonwealth realms, which share the same monarch as the United Kingdom, reciprocal VIP aircraft of those countries are often used when transporting members of the Royal Family.

United States

Air travel arrangements for the President are made by the White House Military Office and typically one of two customized Boeing 747-200B jetliners are used. These aircraft carry the military designation VC-25A.

The Vice President of the United States, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense and other high-ranking officials typically use customized Boeing 757-200 and Boeing 737 aircraft which carry the military designation C-32A and C-40B.^[66][67]

The callsign of any plane is regular if it is not currently carrying the President or Vice-President. The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the President is called that military branch name followed by "One", such as Army One, Air Force One, Navy One, or Marine One (which is typically associated with a helicopter). The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the Vice President is called that military branch name followed by "Two", such as Air Force Two, Coast Guard Two, or Marine Two (which is typically associated with a helicopter). In the one instance that the President traveled on a private aircraft its callsign was Executive One, and Vice President Rockefeller's private Gulfstream was Executive Two when he was aboard during his term of office.

In addition, the US military maintains a fleet of C-40s (Boeing 737-700), C-37As (Gulfstream V) and C-37Bs (Gulfstream G550) for use by government officials, Members of Congress and the White House.

Uruguay

The President of Uruguay, uses an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, operated by the Uruguayan Air Force for flights within South America and a Cessna 414 operated by Ancap

Uzbekistan

Uzbek government use a single Boeing 757-200 and single Boeing 767-300 for VIP transport.

Vatican City

Typically, the Pope flies on a chartered Alitalia fixed-wing aircraft when travelling to or from more distant destinations. Traditional protocol dictates that a Pope flies to a country he is visiting on a chartered Alitalia jet and to return on a jet belonging to a flag carrier from the visited nation; this may vary when he is touring multiple nations. When Pope John Paul II visited South America in May 1988, he came to Paraguay from Peru in an AeroPerú DC-8, but left Asunción International Airport back to Europe in a transcontinental Alitalia Boeing 747, which was brought in just hours before his farewell ceremony. Líneas Aéreas Paraguayas' longest-range aircraft at the time were Boeing 707-320Bs, which had to stop in Dakar, Senegal to refuel. However, he politely travelled within the country in a LAP jet, which incidentally carried the distinguished visitor's coat of arms in the forward fuselage as courtesy. Pope Benedict XVI also returned to Rome from Brazil on Alitalia.

The call sign of a papal flight within Italy is "volo papale" ("papal flight" in Italian) followed by the number of flights the pope has made. Pope John Paul II made 104 papal flights.^[68] The pope also uses a helicopter of the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare), a Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, for short distances. There are two papal heliports, with the Vatican City Heliport being on the tiny state's western corner, and another on the southern edge of the extraterritorial papal residence of Castel Gandolfo. The former bears the official Latin designation Portus Helicopterorum.

Inspired by both a biblical verse^[69] and the name of the aircraft used by the President of the United States, Americans nicknamed the Pope's aircraft "Shepherd One" after Pope Benedict XVI's visit to New York and Washington in 2008.^[70]

Venezuela

An Airbus A319CJ serves as the presidential transport of Venezuela. Former President Hugo Chavez often traveled on board an Ilyushin Il-96 plane owned by Cubana de Aviacion.

Vietnam

A Boeing 777-200ER chartered from Vietnam Airlines is often used for international and long haul flights. For domestic and short haul flights, an Airbus A321 is chartered from Vietnam Airlines.

Yemen

Yemenia operates one VIP-configured Boeing 747SP for use by the government of Yemen. The aircraft carries the Yemenia Yemen Airways livery.^[71]

Yugoslavia (former)

Former Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito used many aircraft during his term as president. The most notable aircraft types in service were the Douglas DC-6, Ilyushin Il-18, Sud Aviation Caravelle and Boeing 727.

Zambia

First Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda used to use a Douglas DC-8 of the now liquidated Zambia Airways among other national carriers. His departure from office saw the new president, Frederick Chiluba acquire a more modern look for government and thus the Challenger CL604 was acquired.

Zimbabwe

The President of Zimbabwe travels in a chartered Air Zimbabwe Boeing 767-200ER aircraft, which is part of the national airline's fleet. Occasionally, the president will share the plane with commercial passengers on scheduled flights. The president's own British Aerospace 146–200 Series aircraft ordered in the 1980s by the Zimbabwe Government's Ministry of Defence as a VIP aircraft for the President's use was leased to the national airline upon delivery after Air Zimbabwe's need for an aircraft that could land on the country's short local runways had become dire. The aircraft was leased to the airline under an arrangement that provided for Air Zimbabwe to maintain it and fly it as required, and the President to have the use of it when needed. After the British Aerospace 146–200 was retired, the National Airliner continued their role as a state VIP transporter, using the B767-300ER.

See also

• Official state car
• State visit
• Royal train
• Royal yacht

References

• Philip Hancock (2016). Military Transports Quick Reference 2016. Air-Britain Historians. ISBN 978-0-85130-477-9. 
• Von Hardesty. Air Force One: The Aircraft that Shaped the Modern Presidency. Creative Publishing international; illustrated edition (1 September 2005) . ISBN 978-1-58923-233-4.

External links

Media related to Aircraft of heads of state and government at Wikimedia Commons