BBJ VIP Fleet Review

[Zac M]

Or how about we stick with the current BBJs and Challengers instead using the savings to stop something like the Medicare copayments, I'm all for new VIP aircraft but doing it in this economic climate where everyone is affected by this government's stupid and unfair taxes (such as the copayment) is wrong.

[Kent Broadhead]

I've always thought that larger, more capable aircraft than the BBJs was sensible, especially given we are at the **** end of the earth. KC-30 is a good choice.

[JamesL]

The BBJ has a COMCEN on board.

[Ray P.]

Originally Posted by Stuart Trevena

...Looking at range, if they were looking at Airbus, still think the ACJ340 would be better, as it has a great range - 18,000kms vs 14,000kms, and 4 Engines incase, well, incase one or more has trouble. ...

Four engines versus two engines equals twice the chance of one of them failing in-flight. The case for four engines on an aircraft this size was lost years ago.

[Yusef D]

Air-air refuelling would not be accomplished on normal Prime Ministerial flights. Flying that close is a compromise to safety and would only be considered in highly unusual emergency situations.

[Stuart Trevena]

Hi All,

Yusef, re your comments above, if that is the case, then How and Why do they do it the President of the USA, who is much more powerful than our own PM?

Also, then why the Headline - "Prime Minister Tony Abbott to fly worldwide non-stop on Airbus KC-30A"

By conducting Air to Air refuel, must save at least 2-3 hours, if flying to Europe and Washington

Stuart

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Zac M

Or how about we stick with the current BBJs and Challengers instead using the savings to stop something like the Medicare copayments, I'm all for new VIP aircraft but doing it in this economic climate where everyone is affected by this government's stupid and unfair taxes (such as the copayment) is wrong.

Zac, simple there is no fiscal or budget emergency. The budget is all about tax and program shifting along ideological nothing else. (you only need to look at the bottom line spend figures)

There is still money available to get the F-35's and there is money and a clear need to replaced the BBJ's.

[Tom Lohdan]

Airbus recently opened an office in Canberra.

So there must be something in the pipeline for Defense.

It was opened by some Australian Defense people.

I'll try to find the article in one of the Aviation magazines I was reading.

[Ray P.]

Originally Posted by Stuart Trevena

... if that is the case, then How and Why do they do it the President of the USA, who is much more powerful than our own PM ...

With only a small amount of research, there seems to be some conjecture as to whether Air Force One has ever been air-to-air refuelled with the POTUS onboard.

[Ray P.]

Originally Posted by Tom Lohdan

Airbus recently opened an office in Canberra.

So there must be something in the pipeline for Defense. ...

I don't think this is specifically tied to the BBJ VIP fleet review.

Australian Aerospace was rebranded as Airbus Group Australia Pacific and opened its new headquarters at Brindabella Park in Canberra last month. It will be looking for opportunities with the Defence Forces of Australia, New Zealand and Nations of the South Pacific.

http://www.airbusgroupap.com.au/airb...s-in-canberra/

It was opened by the Defence Minister.