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20/06/2006
'Blair Force Ones' to come into service
The government is to acquire two passenger jets which will be used by the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet and the Queen on official trips, it has been reported.
The planes, which have been dubbed 'Blair Force Ones' after the 'Air Force One' planes used by US presidents, are believed to be a larger 70-seater passenger jet for long-haul flights and a smaller 15-seater plane, suitable for shorter flights.
According to reports, the planes will not be purchased outright, but will remain on permanent lease, costing between £11 and £12 million per year - an increase on the current budget of £9.5 million.
The use of the planes is likely to be paid for by whoever uses them - Number 10, various government departments, such as the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Family.
Currently, the government charters aircraft as and when they are required. However, US presidents have had the use of their own plane since 1944.
However, the title given to the planes may be premature as they are unlikely to come into service until the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008 - by which time, many believe that Mr Blair will have stepped down to make way for a new Prime Minister.
The official announcement about the planes is expected to be made next week.
The Conservatives have criticised the plans. Shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "It sends totally the wrong message for ministers to be spending millions of pounds of tax-payers money on two new, official planes at a time when jobs are being cut in the NHS.
"This reinforces the impression of a government which is out of touch with the real world and is too concerned with the trappings of office rather than getting on with the job."
(KMcA/SP)
The planes, which have been dubbed 'Blair Force Ones' after the 'Air Force One' planes used by US presidents, are believed to be a larger 70-seater passenger jet for long-haul flights and a smaller 15-seater plane, suitable for shorter flights.
According to reports, the planes will not be purchased outright, but will remain on permanent lease, costing between £11 and £12 million per year - an increase on the current budget of £9.5 million.
The use of the planes is likely to be paid for by whoever uses them - Number 10, various government departments, such as the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Family.
Currently, the government charters aircraft as and when they are required. However, US presidents have had the use of their own plane since 1944.
However, the title given to the planes may be premature as they are unlikely to come into service until the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008 - by which time, many believe that Mr Blair will have stepped down to make way for a new Prime Minister.
The official announcement about the planes is expected to be made next week.
The Conservatives have criticised the plans. Shadow Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "It sends totally the wrong message for ministers to be spending millions of pounds of tax-payers money on two new, official planes at a time when jobs are being cut in the NHS.
"This reinforces the impression of a government which is out of touch with the real world and is too concerned with the trappings of office rather than getting on with the job."
(KMcA/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
