Israel to get its own Air Force 1
Government confirms cost effective plan to purchase permanent plane for president, prime minister's overseas travels. Plane to serve Air Force pilots in spare time
In order to save expenses the plane would also serve Air Force pilots for fueling purposes whenever it is available.
Details on the venture were given Wednesday during a Knesset plenum meeting. Former Shin Bet chief Knesset Member Avi Dichter (Kadima) initiated the purchase.
Dichter noted that the reasons for the plan are both security-driven, seeing how it is easier to secure a permanent plane, as well as symbolic. He explained that it was inappropriate for government officials to be forced to "take a ride" with foreign airlines or land for re-fueling during long flights.
"Today when the president or prime minister fly overseas it is tantamount to a military operation," the MK said.
"One has to look for an airline that would win a tender in order to fly the prime minister or for a commercial flight which the president could board, and then the flight's route and entire visit duration depend on the commercial flight's dates.
"Apart from the symbolism and national glory which we must insist on, there is also the security aspect. When you fly with a different plane each time you're always hoping the flight goes smoothly."
'Purchase economically worthwhile'
Dichter's statements were followed by those of Deputy Finance Minister Yitzhak Cohen who spoke on behalf of the Prime Minister's Office. Cohen said that such an aircraft is indeed expected to arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport shortly.
"It was determined that the purchase of the plane was indeed economically worthwhile after an analysis of the matter had been performed."
Cohen further noted that the plane's cost would be returned within a few years, while the maintenance would be substantially cheaper than the costs of current state officials' travel arrangements.
Cohen also provided the plan's details: The State would purchase a relatively new plane already adjusted to VIP travel, and while not being used for state flights, it would serve the Air Force for fueling purposes.
