Blairforce One

[Leigh]

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

That is actually a great idea what better way to promote the U.K. than have the head of the government fly in on Concorde.
" na na na   na na you don't have one!" 'cept when he goes to France.
Or even retro one back and give it to the Queen's flight, she should've rode around in one.

[Svaz]

Why? a Boeing 737-700ER BBJ or Airbus A319 ACJ can go nearly just as far (if not further), using less fuel

Yeah, especially with a mid-air refueling modifications.  B)

Like I said,  this isn't about whether it's a good idea or not, but what would it look like? Are there any 'official' royal colors I can use on my whif? What symbols of the Monarchy should go on the tail, or perhaps a stylized Union Jack ala British Airways?

[Jennings]

The Queen's Flight used a red wing & tail theme for many years (the Wessex was overall red).  It's recently changed to a really boring scheme.  Here's what the 146 looked like several years ago...

J

[dragon]

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.

C'mon, even a Third World Dictator like Hugo Chavez owns an A319CJ.  Shouldn't the leader of the UK own something larger?  I have travelled in a regular A319 and found it tiny.  As I understand it the A319CJ is a shortened version of the A319.  Can't even do a decent "stretch your legs by walking the length of the plane" thing in one of those.  I say, it has to be bigger than an A319CJ. B)    

[B777LR]

As I understand it the A319CJ is a shortened version of the A319.

Shortened version of A319 = A318!

We're not talking reality here

Oh,  in that case, A380 for all! (747-8 for US!)  

 

[Martin H]

well seeing as these birds wont be operated by the military, they will most liklly follow the current governments PC approch to national identity (ie its offencive to Foriners visting Britian to call your self British or show any form of patriotic sentiments). We even have one council refuseing to fly the national flag from their town hall, but are quite willing to fly the gay pride banner when the local pride weekend is in full swing.

so expect some non discript Civil biz jet type scheme with the only clue to where they come from being the registration marks. of course this will be put down to security reasons, not the fact that most of the cabinet would quite happily sell their country down the river given half the chance.

[Davey B]

Well...  

[disgruntled political science graduate]
IF the politicians of the day (on all sides) weren't such self-serving egomaniacs I'd recommend a brace of A340s, to come out of the order we'd put in for 20 to replace 10 Squadron's VC10s.  32 Sqn could also use 'em to transport the royal family (fume fume fume!) on long-distance visits.  However, in the current climate I'd recommend a cannon surplus from The Flying Giuseppe of Bongo's Circus fame
[/disgruntled political science graduate]

[Martin H]

Well...  

[disgruntled political science graduate]

And by the sounds of it, a republican to boot lol

[Shasper]

Forget size my friend, Speed is what matters! Imagin a BF1 Concorde or a Boeing Sonic cruiser like a/c in service. Think about it, when the Pm needs to resolve some diplomatic issues over seas (or, after a late nite round of gin and brandy decides to play 007   ), no need to wait up to 14hrs when you can get there in 7-9!

Next thing you know, ol' GW will have a B-2 for AF1!

Shas B)

[dragon]

Next thing you know, ol' GW will have a B-2 for AF1!

No Way!  There just isn't enough room in there for the Secret Service detail, all the Press Correspondents, not to mention the First Lady or other White House staffers.   Besides, where is the AF-1 Chef going to cook W's food?  

[Nigel Bunker]

Just released by the Number 10 press office - the new aircraft colour schemes:

[MartG]

 

[Gary]

You know, while I'm spending another countire's money, an A380 would sort of be some serious one uppmanship for 'ol Blair. Better than that old style 747 Airforce one jobbie that other guy... can't remember the name, has.

Seriously, I don't see the debate here. Love him or hate him, he's the elected Prime Minister for one of the greatest nations history and the present day has ever seen. It is only my estimation that the people of England would prefer to have their represenative be seen on a product that has as much of their home country rivited into the skin as possible. In so far as the clap about him flying budget airlines and chartering French airliners to get to conferences, does this say something about the average Briton?
Last of all, it's all kind of funny as Blair won't see the inside of the bird on business anyhow. He's not likely to survive the next election by the sounds of things, and you know a fancy jet will take a few years to complete.

[Nigel Bunker]

Alternatively, one to match the man's ego:

[Aircav]

QUICK, get the missiles ready