Blairforce One

[Svaz]

So I'm walking into work today and I hear a big brew-haha on CNN about Tony Blair getting a dedicated state-owned VIP jet (that, apparently, he'll never get to use). Stupid American that I am, I thought all heads of State had AF-1 type planes, so this was news to me. Whether or not it is a good idea is beyond the scope of this humble post, I merely want to see what the creative minds here would envision "Blairforce One" to look like.

Alright then, who can provide the blank profile? I'm looking for a 737 or A320 but feel free to go your own way.

BTW, I understand that the PM would have to "share" BF-1 w/ Her Majesty. Can't the Monarchy afford it's own plane? Heck, even John Travolta has a 707!

[NARSES2]

We do have the "Queen's Flight" which is part of the RAF and operates a mixed fleet of short haul and helicopter types (I'm no expert on this at all) but for long range trips HM The Queen has always used BA (previously BOAC) aircraft. Personally I can't see whats wrong with that myself as it's worked for 50 years, but times change  

As for aircraft wouldn't be suprised at all if we end up with one Airbus & one Boeing so "he" can please everybody and nobody at the same time ! If we end up with one that is ?

Chris

[GeorgeC]

There is a discussion on this also running in 'Alternative History'.  Queen's Flight was incorporated into 32 (The Royal) Sqn at Northolt in 1997, which now operates 2 BAe146, 6 HS125 and 3 (leased) A109s.  The main role of the fixed wing element is transportation in theatre by forces on deployment, and since 2 or 3 of these have been on ops continuously since 2001 there has not been enough to go round.  They are also quite small and short-ranged for the Royal and Diplomatic role, but quite capable - if you have a look at recent pictures they have have some new lumps and bumps on them.  The new aircraft will be operated on the civil register by the Department of Transport.

Regards

GeorgeC

[upnorth]

Not to get overly political here, but considering just about every British person I talk to hates the man.....

Maybe someone can find an old first batch, square window Comet to restore for him.

[MartG]

Not to get overly political here, but considering just about every British person I talk to hates the man.....

Maybe someone can find an old first batch, square window Comet to restore for him.

Preferably one with lots of hours on it  

[waynos]

He might want a portait of his grinning face on the fin, UGH!

[B777LR]

Here ya go

1: Airbus A320


2: Airbus A318


3: Airbus A321


4: Boeing 737-500


5: Boeing 777-200

[Nigel Bunker]

When Blair Force One and Blair Force 2 go abroad, they will be representing this country. Therefore, Boeings would be unacceptable and at least we make the wings on the Airbus.

Mind you, considering the parlous state of MoDs finances, perhaps Mr Blair should be provided with  a DH.82 for short trips and a DH.89 for longer trips. They might help to keep the numbers of Tony's Cronies (who love their freebies abroad) down.

[Mike Wren]

I am sure he's considering bringing Concorde out of retirement...    

[B777LR]

When Blair Force One and Blair Force 2 go abroad, they will be representing this country. Therefore, Boeings would be unacceptable and at least we make the wings on the Airbus.

Huh? BAe will merge with Boeing soon, and the queen flyies BA Boeing 777-200s when she goes to australia.  

[anthonyp]

Boeing merging with BAE (it's not BAe anymore... don't ask me why)?  News to me.  I know we're thinking of divesting ourselves of BAE's stake in Airbus.  It'd give EADS 100% control of Airbus.

As for Blairforce One, I say go really big:  A340.  They're already in production, and with the six month slip in the A380 program, there's no way he'd be able to get an A380 anytime soon.

[Alvis 3.1]

Yes, and I'm sending it over to the UK hopefully by summer's end....please stand by...



Alvis 3.1

[Martin H]

I thought all heads of State had AF-1 type planes,

ok one point to make here.

Blair isnt head of state, he is only head of her majestys government.

Head of state for the UK is as im sure u have guessed, is the Queen.

seems strange to me that they are clammering for a sytem that they have admitted is going to cost more than the current arrangements. Plus these two aircraft wont be MOD operated, these will be puly civilian (at least till they find one of the crew is a mole for a tabloid). The Treasury has basicly refused to fund this project, so each government department that wants a say is the useage of these planes has had to "Donate" a chunk of its own buget to pay for their cut. Bit off raiding the Health and Education bugets (amoung others) to pay for this.

[B777LR]

As for Blairforce One, I say go really big:  A340.

Why? a Boeing 737-700ER BBJ or Airbus A319 ACJ can go nearly just as far (if not further), using less fuel. They dont cost so much either. If he needs anything large, British airways can offer it. They can also land at more airports. Taxpayers wouldnt be too happy about expensive planes either. Also, Briish airways doesnt fly A340, but 777 (which is much to expensive), but they do fly 737 and A320.

[anthonyp]

Why?

Because!  That's why!

We're not talking reality here, and if I'm going to be handing out government transports, the UK's is going to be bigger than France's (an A310, I think)!  It's a pride thing!  So, I say go whole hog and give them an A340.  Then france will get an A380.  Then Russia, not wanting to be left out, goes for the An-225!  And then Air Force One becomes one of those monstrous WiG effect Pelicans proposed by Boeing.  Sure, it's slower than anything else, but size is all that matters!