R535m jet for President will be landing soon

SOUTH Africas R535-million presidential jet could arrive in the country tonight, according to Sam Mkhwanazi, spokesman for Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota.

According to Armscors annual report the Boeing Business Jet, which can reach destinations in Africa, the Middle East and Europe without refuelling, was due to come into service in August. Although the South African Air Force and the Department of Defence will not reveal the aircrafts specifications for security reasons, the website of the Swissbased company which fitted the interior provides something of an insight.

According to Jet Aviations website the interior, which seats up to 18 passengers and six crew members, is being designed with a contemporary theme, influenced by Africa. The BBJs interior will accommodate four sections, including a lounge with a convertible bed, an adjoining master office, a senior executive office and executive space in addition to a crew rest area, storage area, full galley and lavatory. The cockpit and cabin, says the website, will be outfitted with the latest technology communication tools, including SATCOM, telephone, telefax and Airshow. A passenger information system providing safety briefings, en-route visual information and other information will also be installed.

Announcing the contract, Jet Aviation, which is based in Basel, said that this was the second project it had undertaken for the SAAF, after an upgrade of the present aircraft for VIPs, a Falcon 900.  Jet Aviation said this week the company was contractually bound not to release any information on the aircraft. However, its website features pictures of some recently completed interiors of BBJs, which give an idea of how the interior of the intercontinental VIP aircraft looks.

Sunday Times