SAAF to get new Boeing Presidential jet

A VIP jet costing a total of R408m is to be bought by the SAAF to ferry President Thabo Mbeki and other cabinet ministers to international destinations. It will cost R300m plus an extra R108m for interior fittings.

'"With South Africa's return to the international fold, the need for intercontinental air travel has escalated significantly," said Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota yesterday. Lekota said completion work on the aircraft would begin at a centre still to be named and the completed aircraft would be delivered to the SAAF at the beginning of the year.

Lekota said the Boeing Business Jet was preferred to the Airbus A319 CJ because the Boeing satisfied the operational requirements to fly nonstop to most European destinations when departing from AFB Waterkloof with its altitude and temperature conditions. For these non-stop European trips, the jet can accommodate 10 passengers and six crew members. On an Africa-bound flight, 20 passengers and six crew members can be transported. Unlike the president's current aircraft, the Falcon 900, the BBJ will be fitted with sleeping quarters, enabling passengers to rest on long flights.

The VIP fleet would now consist of the new Boeing and three other smaller aircraft: A Falcon 900 and two Falcon 50's.

The purchase has been criticised by the Democratic Alliance, which said "the BBJ is a luxury South Africa cannot afford". The party accused the defence ministry of ignoring other jets which were less expensive. "We have suggested that the president follow international leaders and make use of South African Airways for all long-haul flights," said the party's Nick Clelland.

Quoting Business and Commercial Aviation Magazine's 1999 operations planning guide, the DA said the BBJ was "not the most cost-effective in its category". The variable hourly costs of the BBJ totals R14 604, in comparison with the Bombardier Global Express, which costs R10 589, said the DA, and the BBJ would therefore cost R4 014,44 more per hour than the Global Express.

Defending the decision, defence ministry spokesperson Sam Mkhwanazi said Global Express had been approached to offer information on its aircraft. "We had approached them (Global Express), asking for specifications of its aircraft, but they refused to make a submission. We cannot force people to tender."

Three companies had submitted tenders. One could not be considered because it was based on the refurbishment of an old SA Air Force aircraft, he said. The Airbus A319 ACJ and BBJ were the two offers which remained, of which the latter was chosen, said Mkhwanazi.

Business Day and Independant Online