Air transports of heads of state and government

Air transports for heads of state and government are, in many countries, provided by the air force in specially equipped airliners or business jets. One such aircraft in particular has become part of popular culture: Air Force One, used by the president of the United States and operated by the United States Air Force. Other well-known official aircraft include the Russian presidential aircraft, the British Royal Air Force VIP aircraft, the French Cotam 001, the Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft, the German Konrad Adenauer, the Royal Australian Airforce VIP aircraft, the Japanese Air Force One, the South Korean Code One, the Indian Air India One, the Brazilian Air Force One.

Another well-known means of transportation for world leaders is by helicopter. Helicopters are seen as not only cheaper and more cost effective but also more convenient than a motorcade. These include the US President's Marine One, the South Korean Presidential Helicopter, King Charles III's Helicopter, and the Brazilian Presidential Helicopter.

If officials do not have their own aircraft or if their VIP aircraft are under maintenance, they would occasionally hire private jets, in which case a flag/coat of arms decal/sticker is often added on or near the door.

History

The Airspeed Envoy was used as air transport for the British Royal Family from 1937 onwards.

On 15 July 1910, the then Tsar of Bulgaria Ferdinand I became the first head of state to fly in an aircraft during a visit to Belgium.^[1]

In 1919, during Paris Peace Conference, senior British politicians including Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Leader of the House of Commons Bonar Law used several Airco DH.4 planes for the cross-Channel trips. Originally designed as bombers, modified planes featured an enclosed compartment for two passengers (cockpit was left open) and a separate luggage compartment. Dubbed Lloyd George's airplane, it was probably one of the first aircraft to be widely used by a political leader.^[2][3]

The British monarch became the first head of state or government to receive official and dedicated air transport when two Westland Wapitis were delivered to No. 24 Squadron RAF at RAF Northolt for the express purpose of the transportation of the Royal family in 1928. Between 1929 and 1935, Edward, Prince of Wales, purchased 13 aircraft. Although the RAF maintained at least one of these aircraft for a time, the Prince of Wales eventually became solely responsible for them.^[4] When the prince ascended to the throne in 1936 as Edward VIII, The King's Flight was formed as the world's first head of state aircraft unit.^[5] This unit initially used the King's own de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide; however, this was replaced in May 1937 by an Airspeed AS.6J Envoy III.^{[citation needed]}

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Douglas C-54 Skymaster aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow.

In the United States, prior to World War II overseas and cross-country presidential travel was rare. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to fly in an aircraft while in office. During World War II, Roosevelt traveled on the Dixie Clipper, a Pan Am-crewed Boeing 314 flying boat, to the 1943 Casablanca Conference in Morocco. The flight covered 5,500 miles in three legs.^[6][7] The first dedicated aircraft proposed for presidential use was a Consolidated C-87 Liberator Express VIP transport aircraft. This aircraft, tail number 41-24159, was re-modified in 1943 for use as a presidential VIP transport, the Guess Where II, intended to carry President Franklin D. Roosevelt on international trips.^[8] The Secret Service subsequently reconfigured a Douglas C-54 Skymaster for duty as a presidential transport. This VC-54C aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow, included a sleeping area, radio telephone, and retractable elevator to lift Roosevelt in his wheelchair. As modified, the VC-54C was used by President Roosevelt only once, on his trip to and from the Yalta Conference in February 1945.^[7]

In the postwar period, governments around the world have instituted similar provisions for the official aerial transportation of their heads of state and government.^{[citation needed]}

Africa

Angola

Previously operated aircraft by Angolan Air Force for use by the government of Angola:

Type	Quantity	Registration	Date of Delivery	Notes
Boeing 707	2	D2-MAN D2-TPR	May 29, 2003 February 7, 1995	Both aircraft are of the -300 variant. D2-MAN was first delivered to Pan Am in 1969, and was transferred to multiple charter airlines before being delivered to the Angolan government.[citation needed] D2-TPR was first delivered to CAAC in 1973, before being transferred to Air China in 1988, then to the Angolan government.[citation needed] Both aircraft were sold at auction in 2019.[9]

Benin

Type	Quantity	Registration	Date of Delivery	Notes
Boeing 707	1	TY-BBW TY-BBR	November 1, 1987 November 4, 1983	Both aircraft are of the -300 variant. TY-BBW was originally delivered to Pan Am in 1961 as N758PA, and transferred to multiple different airlines before being delivered to the Beninese government. Last flight taken in 1989, before being stored and then scrapped in Belgium.[citation needed] TY-BBR was originally delivered to BOAC in 1971 as G-AXXZ, before being transferred to British Airways, then Zambia Airways, before being finally delivered to the Beninese government.[citation needed] Crashed in 1985 after an aborted take off in Sabha, Libya.[10]
Dassault Falcon 50	1	TY-BBM	September 30, 1982	Originally delivered to a Libyan government airline in 1980. Transferred between multiple airlines from 1983 onwards, before crashing in 2018 as N114TD.[11]

Burundi

The government of Burundi previously operated a Gulfstream IV for use by the President.^[12]

Cameroon

Officials from the government of Cameroon usually tend to travel on private corporate jets, using aircraft from companies like Aviation Link and Comlux.

However, the Cameroon Air Force did previously operate a number of aircraft for exclusive use by the President and government officials. These include:

Type	Quantity	Registration	Date of Delivery	Notes
Boeing 767	1	TJ-AAC	March 23, 2004	Aircraft is of the -200 variant. First delivered in 1986 to LAN Chile, before switching hands between multiple airlines and finally settling with the Cameroonian government in 2004. The aircraft developed multiple technical issues following its first flight, which resulted in the "Albatross scandal" - where multiple high-ranking political leaders were jailed for attempting to kill the president by sabotaging the plane.[13]

Any aircraft carrying the president flies under the callsign "CMR1".

Egypt

The government of Egypt operates a Boeing B747-8 initially built for Lufthansa in 2015, as of 2022 the plane was undergoing a refit in Germany and Ireland.^[14] It also uses two Dassault Aviation Dassault Falcon 7X,^[15] one Dassault falcon 8x and one Airbus A340 from 1995 bought by Hosni Mubarak.

Any aircraft carrying the president will fly under the callsign "EGY01".^{[citation needed]}

Ghana

Republic of Ghana Falcon 900EX

The government of Ghana operated a Dassault Falcon 900EX, registered as 9G-EXE that is now parked as it has undergone extensive corrosion and is no longer safe for the president to fly on .^[16]

Kenya

the Kenyan President primarily uses Kenya Airways for his international travel.

The government of Kenya currently operates a Fokker 70 registered KAF308 and officially named "Harambee One". It was purchased in 1995 and used for the first time on 26 January 1996 by President Daniel arap Moi.^[17] The Fokker is only used for inner African or European travel.

Liberia

The government of Liberia mainly uses commercial and corporate jets for travel.

The government used to operate a French-registered Dassault Falcon 900EX for travel.(F-HEBO)^[18]

Madagascar

The government of Madagascar operated a Boeing 737-300 in 2015.^[19]

Mali

Republic of Mali Boeing 737-700

The government of Mali operated a Boeing 737-700/BBJ, registered TZ-PRM,^[20] but in September 2024 Al-Qaeda insurgents stormed the airport and set fire to the right hand engine and it has since been stored at BKO airport.^{[citation needed]}

Nigeria

Further information: Nigerian Presidential Transport Fleet

Nigerian Presidential Jet Airbus A330-243 (NAF-001)

The Nigerian Air Force currently maintains an Airbus A330-243, designated NAF-001, registered 5N-FGA as the primary means of transport for the President of Nigeria.^[21]

The aircraft is known with call sign "Eagle One" when conveying the Nigerian President. In addition, there is a Gulfstream V-SP registered 5N-FGS, a Gulfstream 550 registered 5N-FGW, two Falcon 7X registered 5N-FGV and 5N-FGU, a Dornier 228 and three A139 helicopters.^[22]

The president fly's under the callsign "NRG001" and the vice president fly's under "NRG002"

Seychelles

The government uses commercial or private aircraft for travel. In particular, during a state visit to Mauritius in November 2020, President Wavel Ramkalawan used a Beechcraft 1900D (reg: S7-DES) from IDC Aviation (Islands Development Company).^[23]

Sierra Leone

The government uses commercial or private aircraft for travel. They are also known to use VIP aircraft from other countries for travel.^[24]

Any aircraft carrying the President flies under the callsign "SIER001".

South Africa

Main article: Inkwazi

South African Air Force Boeing 737-7ED BBJ ZS-RSA

In 2015, President Jacob Zuma asked Armscor to procure a business jet with the capability of carrying at least 30 passengers and traveling long range distances and which is much larger than the current presidential jet (Inkwazi). Models being considered included the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A340.^{[25][verification needed]}

Uganda

Uganda Gulfstream G550

The government of Uganda uses a Gulfstream Aerospace G550 (5X-UGF) to transport the President and government officials.

The President of Uganda uses a Mil Mi-171 of the Uganda People's Defence Force for internal flights.^{[citation needed]} The helicopter was delivered in early 2016 after the government had budgeted 11.3billion Ugandan Shillings for the new helicopter.^[26] It is equipped with a cloak room, snack bar, bathroom and luggage compartment^[27] and seats up to 12 passengers.^[28]

Zambia

The Zambian Air Force bought a Gulfstream G650 (AF001) for the president and government officials. This deal caused a scandal within the country.^{[29][30][31][32]}

New aircraft of the President of Zambia

The first Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda, used a Douglas DC-8 of the now liquidated Zambia Airways among other national carriers. A Challenger CL604 (reg: 9J-ONE) was also acquired and eventually sold.^{[citation needed]}

In 2019, a Sukhoi Superjet 100 in a business jet configuration was ordered^[33] but was later cancelled.^[34]

Asia

Armenia

Armenian Air Force Airbus A319

The Armenian Government operates an Airbus A319CJ (Reg: 701) for VIP use.^[35] A Tupolev Tu-134(Reg: EK-65975) was previously used.

Azerbaijan

The President of Azerbaijan currently has several aircraft dedicated for travel. These include an Airbus A319 nicknamed "Baku", an Airbus A320 Prestige, a Boeing 767-300ER nicknamed "Baku-1", a leased Airbus A340-600 nicknamed "Baku-8",^[36] and a Boeing 777-200.^{[citation needed]} A number of Gulfstreams are also operated by the government for shorter travel.^{[citation needed]} The long-haul aircraft are equipped with jamming equipment, anti-missile systems, and midair refueling equipment.^{[citation needed]} These aircraft are all painted in the livery of national airline Azerbaijan Airlines. Previously used aircraft include a Tupolev 154, Tupolev 134, and a Sikorsky S-92.^{[citation needed]}

Bangladesh

A Biman Boeing 777-300ER (left) and Boeing 787-8 (right), which are mostly used by PM for VVIP trips

For long-distance flights or flights with an especially large entourage, a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is usually used; for medium to short-distance flights a Boeing 787 Dreamliner^[37] is typically used.

Cambodia

Kingdom of Cambodia A320 at Phnom Penh airport on 29 September 2015

The Kingdom of Cambodia operated a Chinese-registered Airbus A320 in 2015 which flies under the callsign KOC01.^[12]

China

An Air China Boeing 747 carrying Chinese leader Xi Jinping, getting a ceremonial escort by eight Pakistani JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft in Pakistani airspace on a two-day visit in April 2015.

Air transportation for the CCP general secretary, president, premier or other government officials of China is managed and operated by the 34th division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Six Boeing 737-300s, two 737-700s, and four 737-800s, as well as three Airbus A319s and ten Bombardier Challenger 800 are used for these missions.^{[citation needed]}

A Boeing 747-8I with Air China branding and registration B-2479 was converted and tested for exclusive use as head of state transport around 2016–2017. Although no official photos have been released, it is speculated that the interior is fitted with conference tables, private bedrooms, office suites, and more.^{[38][39][needs update]}

A commercial Air China Boeing 747-4J6 has in the past been converted for international travel when necessary. The three 747-400 used for this purpose have the following registrations: B-2445, B-2447, B-2472. At least one of them are specially retrofitted during official use and returns to commercial service afterwards;^[40][41] however, since 2020, all 747-400s have officially been retired from government use and have since been converted to a permanent commercial airline configuration.^{[citation needed]}

A secondhand Boeing 767-300ER was purchased by the Chinese government for use by the then Chinese leader and CCP general secretary Jiang Zemin in 2000. An international incident occurred in 2001 when the government claimed it had discovered 27 bugs embedded in the aircraft's interior.^[42]

Georgia

Georgian Airways operated a single Bombardier Challenger 850 since 2007 to carry the President of Georgia and government officials. In 2011, a Gulfstream 450 was added to its inventory, possibly replacing the Challenger in its VIP transport role.^[43]

India

Air India One B777-300ER used by the President, Vice President and Prime Minister of India.

Main article: Air India One

Air India One (AIC001) is the callsign of any aircraft with the President, Vice President or the Prime Minister of India on board.^[44] For international travel, two dedicated Indian Air Force Boeing 777-300ERs with registrations K7066 and K7067 which arrived in October 2020 are used.^[45] The aircraft are equipped with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids.^[46] The jets are also equipped with an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield, and electronic countermeasures to provide protection from any ground-based or airborne threat. The aircraft are also equipped with flares and glares to mislead any missile.^[47]

For domestic and short distance international travel, three Boeing 737 BBJ aircraft are used. The three Boeing 737-200 also used by the President, the Vice President or the Prime Minister were inducted in 2008.^[48] These aircraft have a range of 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles (5,600 to 7,400 km) and are fitted with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids.^{[citation needed]} The jets are also equipped with an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield and electronic counter measures so as to provide protection from any ground-based or airborne threats.^{[citation needed]}

Other aircraft used by other government officials are four 14-seater Embraer 135s.^[49]

Indonesia

Indonesia One is the Indonesian presidential plane since 2014, the business jet version of Boeing 737-800.

Main article: Indonesian presidential aircraft

As Indonesia is a sprawling archipelagic nation,^[50] the president of Indonesia frequently needs VVIP air transportation for visiting Indonesian provinces, attending international summits and meetings, and traveling on official foreign visits. In April 2014, Indonesia acquired Indonesia One, an aircraft dedicated for the president and the vice president and their entourage.^[51]

When Indonesia One was delivered in 2014, the government claimed the cost of operating its own aircraft would be lower than chartering Garuda aircraft.^[52][53] The aircraft is the Boeing Business Jet variant of the 737-800. The aircraft was designed to meet the minimum safety and security requirements of Indonesia's VVIP air transportation,^[54] and includes a modest self-defense system.^[51]

In 2020, the Indonesian government chartered a Boeing 777-300ER, registration PK-GIG, from Garuda Indonesia for special use as a presidential aircraft on long-haul flights; the aircraft is painted in a special livery.^[55]

Japan

Japanese Air Force One (Boeing 777-300ER)

Main article: Japanese Air Force One

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for use by the Prime Minister, the Emperor, Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family.^[56]

Until March 2019, two Boeing 747-400 aircraft were used. The aircraft were constructed at the Boeing factory at the same time as the United States Air Force One VC-25s, though the US aircraft were built to the 747-200 design, while the Japanese aircraft were built to the more contemporary 747-400 design. Both Japanese aircraft were delivered in 1990.^[57]

Korea, North (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Air Koryo's Ilyushin Il-62M for official flights

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un travels overseas on one of two VIP configured Ilyushin Il-62M aircraft of the Korean People's Army Air Force operated by Air Koryo crew, known as Chammae-1.^[58] Kim Jong-un's private aircraft is known as Goshawk-1.^[59]

Korea, South (Republic of Korea)

Government of South Korea, 22-001, Boeing 747-8B5

Main articles: Code One, Presidential Helicopter (South Korea), Transportation of the President of South Korea, and List of official vehicles of the president of South Korea

Since January 2022, a Boeing 747-8I leased from Korean Air to the Republic of Korea Air Force conducts official international travels by the President of South Korea. Known by the call sign "Code One" (KAF001), the aircraft is based in Seoul Air Base and operational support is provided by Korean Air.^[60] From April 2010 to January 2022, a dedicated Boeing 747-400 leased from Korean Air served in this role. Originally even pilots and flight attendants were from Korean Air, though they were planned to be replaced by Air Force personnel.^[61]

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Tupolev Tu-154 at Haneda Airport

The government of Kyrgyzstan operated a single Tupolev Tu-154M in 2010, which usually flies under four-digit callsigns "KGC" and "LYN".^[19]

Malaysia

Malaysia Airbus ACJ319

Malaysia's Prime Minister and Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Ruling Monarch) travel aboard aircraft operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. For this purpose, an Airbus ACJ319 named Perdana 1 was purchased in 2007, and an Airbus ACJ320 named Perdana 2 in 2015. Other fixed wing aircraft in use include a Dassault Falcon 900, a Bombardier Global Express BD-700, and a Boeing 737-800 BBJ.^[62]

Maldives

The government uses commercial aircraft for travel. In addition, the President has been known to use aircraft from the Saudi Government for religious trips.^[63]

Nepal

The present President of Nepal, Prime Minister of Nepal, and other senior government officials travel on regular scheduled commercial flights or chartered flights by either Nepal Airlines or Himalaya Airlines. There is no plane used specifically for VIP operations.^[64]

Pakistan

Airbus A310-300 (PakAF) J-757

The history of VIP transport in Pakistan dates back to August 1947, when an ex-British Imperial Air Force Vickers VC.1 Viking was acquired to serve as the official transport aircraft for the Governor-General of Pakistan. This aircraft is considered as the first to use the call sign reserved for an aircraft flying Pakistan's head of state or head of government, 'PAKISTAN ONE'. Governor-Generals Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Khawaja Nazimuddin used the aircraft until 1955, when it was retired. It remained parked at Karachi's Mauripur Airbase and then at a Pakistan Air Force Base in Peshawar. In 1997, the aircraft was disassembled and transported to Karachi and put up for display at the Pakistan Air Force Museum.

In the 1960s and 70s, Presidents Muhammad Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto used Boeing 707 jetliners of the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. In the 1980s, President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq used a Lockheed C-130B Hercules. In the 90s, Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto used a Boeing 737 for their official trips which was maintained by the Pakistani Government. During the late 1990s, Sharif's government bought a Boeing 737-300 for official use. Initially its role was rotated between serving as a regular commercial aircraft for Pakistan International Airlines and as a VIP transport for the government. However, following a military coup in 1999 the aircraft was permanently transferred to Pakistan International Airlines. The President and Prime Minister then resorted to using two of the airline's Airbus A310s for official visits, while rare trips were done on regular commercial flights of the airline. In 2007 the Qatari government gifted an Airbus A310-300 of the Qatar Amiri Flight to Pakistan, which was operated for the Pakistan Air Force by Pakistan International Airlines.

Since 2025 one Airbus A319 (A-1102), two Gulfstream IV (J-755, J756) and four AW 139 helicopters are used by the President and Prime Minister for air travel. The No. 12 VIP Squadron, of the Pakistan Air Force, is the operator and transports the President and the Prime Minister with the call sign of PAKISTAN ONE.^[65][66]

Philippines

Gulfstream G280 of the Philippine Air Force, seen landing at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In 2024 the fleet includes: seven Bell 412^[67] helicopters. In October 2019, the government purchased an Airbus C-295 delivered in April 2019 and a Gulfstream G280 which cost 2 Billion pesos delivered in September 2020^[68] for use by the President and other senior officials respectively.^[69] A Hawker 800XP business jet was donated by San Miguel Corporation in May 2022.^[70][71]

For trips outside of the Philippines, the President uses a Learjet 60,^[72] Challenger 850 Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G650ER^[73] or charters appropriate aircraft from Philippine Airlines.

Toward the end of the Marcos administration, the squadron of presidential aircraft consisted of one Boeing 707, one BAC One-Eleven, one NAMC YS-11 and one Fokker F28 Fellowship airliner, along with one Sikorsky S-62A, two Bell UH-1N, one Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma and two Sikorsky S-70AS helicopters. President Corazon Aquino used some of these aircraft and sold others as austerity measures. Subsequent administration used one Fokker F28, which is primarily used for the President's domestic trips and is also called Kalayaan (Filipino for "Freedom") One when the President is on board, one Fokker F27 aircraft, which was subsequently retired^[74] by the Rodrigo Duterte administration as they acquired new aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[69]

Singapore

Republic of Singapore Air Force A330 MRTT

The President, Prime Minister of Singapore and government officials typically travel on regular scheduled commercial or charter flights, mostly operated by Singapore's flag carrier, Singapore Airlines, Scoot or other commercial airlines depending on the location.^[75][76]

However, at the APEC Philippines 2015 summit, the then Prime Minister travelled on an Australian-registered Gulfstream G550.^[77][78]

Taiwan

Air Force 3701, the President of the Republic of China's Boeing 737-8AR.

Air transportation for the president or other high-ranking officials of the Republic of China is operated by the Republic of China Air Force using a customized Boeing 737-800 delivered from Boeing in 2001 called the Air Force 3701.^[79]

Turkmenistan

To transport the President and top officials of the state, Turkmenistan Airlines uses one Boeing 777-200LR of a special configuration (reg: EZ-A777), two Boeing 737-700 (reg: EZ-A007 and EZ-A700), one Bombardier CRJ700 Challenger 870 (reg: EZ-B024) and two Bombardier Challenger 605 (reg: EZ-B022 and EZ-B023).^{[80][verification needed]}

Vietnam

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner reg. VN-A868 of Vietnam Airlines, carrying the Prime Minister of Vietnam, operating as Flight VN1, departing from Glasgow Prestwick after COP26. This airport is not a scheduled destination for the airline, nor is any airport in Scotland.

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 777-200ER carrying General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng arriving at Joint Base Andrews for an official visit. The type was then replaced by the 787 and A350 for government flights due to its retirement from the operator's fleet.

Vietnam has no dedicated airframe that is configured and used exclusively for VIP transport. Instead, the state uses general-purpose aircraft owned and commissioned by state-owned operators and armed forces' units for such special missions. It was designated that the General Secretary of the Communist Party, the President, Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam as well as equivalent representatives of other nations are objects to be served by such so-called "dignitary flights."^[81]

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (most commonly the one registered VN-A868)^[82] or sometimes any Airbus A350-900 XWB^[83] chartered from Vietnam Airlines is often used for international and long haul flights. For domestic and short haul flights, an Airbus A321 can be chartered from the same carrier. The callsign Viet Nam One (VN1/HVN1) is often used when the flight is chartered by the government, especially to transport key people of the Vietnamese state, meanwhile other "lucky numbers" such as VN68 or VN88 are also utilized when VN1 have been preserved for any ongoing missions.^[84][85] None of those Vietnam Airlines airframes are configured specifically for VIP or Head of State transport missions, instead, they are all operating commercial services on daily basis and state leaders use the "casual" business class and are served with standard civilian crews employed by Vietnam Airlines on such VIP flights.^[86]

Helicopters of the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation and/or the Vietnam People's Air Force can also be used for VIP transport missions.^[87][88]

Europe

Austria

The government of Austria has never operated any dedicated government transport aircraft. Instead, the President, as well as the Chancellor and members of the government, fly on scheduled commercial flights, preferably using flag carrier Austrian Airlines, and occasionally chartering smaller aircraft or aircraft from other airlines depending on the location.^{[citation needed]}

There were plans in the late 1980s to acquire a BAe 146-100STA,^{[citation needed]} which was capable of being converted into a VIP configuration; however, the already painted and registered aircraft was never flown to Austria, as the deal had to be cancelled due to political pressure which led to tensions within the Austrian Government.^[89]

Belarus

Boeing 737-800BBJ operated by Belavia on behalf of the Government of Belarus

Belarusian flag carrier Belavia operates a Boeing 767-300ER(EW-001PB), a Boeing 737-800 BBJ(EW-001PA), a Bombardier Challenger 850^{[citation needed]}(EW-301PJ) and a Gulfstream Aerospace G550^[90] (EW-001PJ) on behalf of the government for use of the President and Prime Minister.

Belgium

Belgian Air Force Airbus A321-231, returned to lessor Hi Fly in December 2020

For the transport of the royal family and the members of the Government, Belgium uses two dry leased Dassault Falcon 7X (OO-FAE & OO-LUM) operated by the 15th Air Transport Wing of the Belgian Armed Forces,.^[91]

Bosnia and Herzegovina

The Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina operate a Cessna Citation I(E7-SBA), a Cessna CitationJet(E7-SMS) and a Cessna Citation CJ4.^[92] (E7-GPS) these are mainly used for domestic and European flights.

Croatia

Croatian Government Canadair CL604 Challenger

Pilots of the Croatian Air Force fly a low-visibility grey VIP-configured Challenger CL-604 9A-CRO business-jet, acquired in August 1997 to be used by the president, Government and Parliament officials, and other users upon the approval of the prime minister, especially in the case of flights for the transportation of organs or seriously injured persons.^[93] This aircraft flies under the callsign "9ACRO". Additionally, a Mil Mi-8-1 twin-turbine helicopter is occasionally used for the short-range travel within the country. Directorate for the Use of Official Aircraft is an expert service of the Government that operates the aircraft.^[94]

Cyprus

The government of Cyprus uses an Embraer ERJ-135BJ for travel, which was gifted by the Greek government in 2022.^[95][96]

Denmark

Royal Danish Air Force Bombardier Challenger CL-604

The Royal Danish Air Force operates four Bombardier Challenger 604s for VIP transport, primarily that of the government and the Danish Royal Family. These aircraft are also used for environmental control and fishery control around Greenland and the North Sea.^[97]

Finland

Finnish Air force Learjet UC-35A

Finnish officials do not have individually allotted aircraft. The president and cabinet ministers usually travel on commercial flights for international travel. However, the Finnish Air Force operates three Learjet 35 aircraft with limited transport capability for use by senior government and military officials, and other aircraft from the Finnish Air Force can also be used. Helicopters of the Finnish Army or Coast Guard are used to provide transport to senior officials on some domestic trips.^[98]

Juha Sipilä, the prime minister between 2015 and 2019 was an avid aviator, who also made official trips with aircraft that he has personally flown and paid for, such as a Cessna CitationJet/M2 525^[99] and a Scanwings Cessna 525 (OH-SWI). The longest trip was to Ulaanbaatar in 2016.^[100]

France

See also: Escadron de transport, d'entrainement et de calibration and Cotam 001

French President's Airbus A330-200 used since November 2011.

French officials use the aircraft of the Escadron de transport 3/60 Esterel, which operates three Airbus A310-304 and two Airbus A340-200s.^[101]

Germany

Main articles: Executive Transport Wing (German Air Force) and Konrad Adenauer (aircraft)

Germany's Airbus A350-941 VIP 10+03 "Kurt Schumacher", shown here in Berlin.

The fleet used by Germany's senior government officials consists of 17 aircraft:

Airbus A350-900	3
Airbus A319-133X CJ	2
Airbus A321-200	1
Airbus A321LR	2
Bombardier Global 5000	3
Bombardier Global 6000	3
Eurocopter AS532 Cougar	3

Until 2011 Germany's government officials used two Airbus A310-304 VIP carrying the same names, previously of East Germany's Interflug. They used two Airbus A340-313X VIP aircraft until 2023, previously of Germany's Lufthansa, redesigned by Lufthansa Technik in a VIP configuration, including sleeping rooms and an anti-missile system.^[102] The aircraft are named after Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of (West) Germany, and Theodor Heuss, its first President. In April 2019, the German Air Force ordered three Airbus A350-900 as their new government planes and as a replacement for the aging A340s.

In Summer 2019, the Luftwaffe also ordered three Bombardier Global 6000 as an addition to the existing fleet. In 2022, the fleet was expanded by two A321LRs, which are used for both troop transport and government flight operations.^[103]

Greece

Hellenic Republic Gulfstream V

The 352 VIP Transport Squadron is part of the 112 Combat Wing (Hellenic Air Force Support Command). Based at Elefsina Air Force Base it air transport services for senior government officials and high-ranking military officers. The Squadron operates a Gulfstream V, which was bought by the government of Costas Simitis for the needs of Greece's 2003 EU presidency and the preparations of the 2004 Olympic Games. It also operates an Embraer ERJ-135LR^{[104][105][95]} with a 32-eat configuration.^[106] For long haul flights the Prime Minister and other officials used one of the Airbus A340-300s of the government-owned Olympic Airlines when they were still in service. The A340 aircraft were used for the official visit of the Greek Prime Minister to Australia in 2007.

Hellenic Republic Embraer ERJ-135LR

Two other aircraft used over the last two decades for the same purpose raised controversy. A Dassault Falcon 900 (OA Flight 3838) had a range of technical problems culminating in an accident that killed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannos Kranidiotis and six^[107][108] other people due to severe in-flight pitch oscillations 20 minutes before landing at Bucharest on 9 September 1999.^[109]

Under executive order 2954/28-8-12, the Greek government bestowed the 30-seat Embraer to the Hellenic Air Force to be used for pilot training, patient airlift and organ transplant transportation.^[104][110]

In 2021 the Hellenic Air Force incorporated a lightly used Falcon 7X^[95] into its fleet VIP transport fleet, donated by Dassault free of charge in order to fulfill a long-standing offset obligation dating back to 2000 when the Hellenic Air Force had acquired Mirage 2000-5s.^[111][105] The aircraft has 12-seat configuration.^[112]

Bell 212 of 358 SAR Squadron of 112 CW

In September 2022 the ERJ-135BJ was transferred to the Republic of Cyprus.^[95]

Alternatively, the 358 Search and Rescue Squadron of the 112 Combat Wing operates B-212 helicopters, which can also be used for VIP transport for locations with no airport.^[113][114] They were acquired in 1976.^[115]

Hungary

The Hungarian government uses two Dassault Falcon 7X and two Airbus A319 airliners,^[116] which are operated by the Hungarian Air Force and fly under its callsigns (HUAF).^[117]

Ireland

Irish Air Corps Gulfstream IV used as VIP Transport

The Irish Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is part of the Irish Air Corps, it provides secure transport to the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and members of the government and their staff, both within and outside Ireland.

A Learjet 45 is currently used. Until recently, a Gulfstream IV was also part of the fleet.^[118] The Air Corps AW139 helicopters are also used as government transport.^[119]

Italy

Main article: 31st Wing (Italy)

Airbus VC-319A – 31st Wing, Italian Air Force

The Italian Air Force operates three Airbus A319-115 ACJs (Italian Air Force designation: VC-319A), three Dassault Falcon 900s (VC-900) and two Dassault Falcon 50s (VC-50) for government transport. From April 2025, the Falcons are being replaced by five Gulfstream G650ERs (VC-650A).^[120] Two AgustaWestland AW139s (VH-139A) are operated for use by the President and senior government officials, and are also used by the Pope. An Airbus A340-541 was previously utilized for longer-distance trips and phased out in 2018. All aircraft and helicopters are operated by the 31st Wing based in Ciampino Air Base, Rome.^[121]

Lithuania

Lithuanian Air Force Alenia C-27J Spartan

During 1994-1998 the Lithuanian government used a Lithuanian Airlines-operated Lockheed Jet Star as a government transportation. The aircraft was registered LY-AMB, with three last letters coinciding with the initials of then president Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas.^[122] Notorious for multiple technical issues and deemed too small for larger delegations it was sold in 1998.

Since late 1990's the president and the government of Lithuania use one of the three Alenia C-27J Spartans of the Lithuanian Air Force in a passenger configuration.^[123]

Luxembourg

Luxair's Boeing 737-700

A private Cessna 550 Citation II, a Learjet 35A or even a 737-700 chartered from the flag carrier Luxair are sometimes used for governmental flights.^[124] Other than that, commercial aircraft is used, for example, former Prime Minister Xavier Bettel used a Vietnam Airlines plane to travel to Vietnam for a working visit.^[125]

Malta

The government uses a Learjet 60 for travel.^[126]

Moldova

In the 1990s, the Moldovan government operated a single Tupolev TU-134 for use by the government. In the 2000s, it was retired, and the Moldovan government leased an Air Moldova Yakovlev Yak-40 for VIP use. That was retired too, and the most recent aircraft used by the President or Prime Minister is an Air Moldova Airbus A320 family jet, which uses an Air Moldova callsign. President Maia Sandu was spotted taking low-cost carrier Wizz Air on a flight to Brussels.^[127]

Netherlands

The 737-700BBJ (PH-GOV) of the Dutch government

The government of the Netherlands operates as Dutch government aircraft [nl] a Boeing 737 BBJ as a means of transport for the Dutch Royal family and government officials such as the prime minister and other ministers. It is used not only to attend international conferences but also for private trips by King Willem-Alexander (who is a licensed commercial pilot type rated to fly the 737) and Queen Maxima. This aircraft, registered PH-GOV (GOVernment), was introduced in 2019 at a cost of 89m euros.^[128][129] A Fokker 70 registered PH-KBX (Koningin Beatrix) had been operated, but was retired in May 2017 in line with the withdrawal of the Fokker 70 from the fleet of KLM Cityhopper which had maintained the aircraft.^[130]

Poland

For the transport of VIPs in Poland before 10 April 2010, see 36th Special Aviation Regiment.

Polish Air Force Boeing BBJ2 Ignacy Jan Paderewski (0112)

The Polish Air Force operates a dedicated fleet of five jet aircraft intended for use by the highest-ranking Polish government officials ("najważniejsze osoby w państwie"), including the president, the prime minister, the Marshal of the Sejm, and the Marshal of the Senate.^[131] The aircraft are operated and maintained by the Polish Air Force 1st Airlift Air Base.^[132]

As of 2025, the government fleet includes two Boeing BBJ2 in custom configuration for 65 passengers, featuring a VIP suite with separate work and rest areas, a business class section, an economy class section, a small medical suite with lifesaving equipment, secure communication systems as well as anti-missile defense systems; one reconfigured Boeing 737-800NG with 132 seats that can be also used by the military and for casualty evacuation; and two Gulfstream G550 in VIP configuration, each capable of carrying 16 passengers.^[133][134] The 1st Airlift Air Base also operates multiple PZL W-3A Sokół and Mil Mi-8 helicopters.^[135]

Russia

Main article: Russian presidential aircraft

Spain

Airbus A310-300 of the Spanish Air and Space Force

Main article: 45th Wing

The Spanish Air and Space Force operates two customized Airbus A310s^[136] and five Falcon 900s, it also operates four AS332 Super Puma and two AS532UL Cougar for transportation of the King, his family, the Prime Minister and high-ranking government officials. These transportation services are provided by the 45th Group of the Air Force, based in Torrejón Air Base, 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Madrid and 402 Squadron of the 48th Wing, located at Cuatro Vientos Air Base respectively.

On 21 October 2025, the Council of Ministers approved a €240 million program to acquire six Airbus Helicopters H175 to replace the Cougars and Super Pumas of the 48th Wing.^[137]

Sweden

Gulfstream IV of the Swedish Air Force State Flight.

The Swedish Air Force Transport Squadron Bromma (Stockholm), based on Stockholm-Bromma Airport in Stockholm Municipality, operates the State Flight (Swedish: Statsflyget). It forms part of the Transport and Special Flying Unit (TSFE, Swedish: Transport och Specialflygenheten), which in its turn is a part of the Skaraborg Wing (F 7). Currently it operates two Gulfstream IV aircraft and one Gulfstream G550 in the VIP transport role, which are to be replaced by two Bombardier Global 6500 by the end of 2025.^[138][139]

The use of the State Flight is regulated in the State Flight Ordinance (Swedish: Statsflygsförordningen) issued by the Government of Sweden.^[140]

Switzerland

The Swiss Air Force's Dassault Falcon 900EXl

The Lufttransportdienst des Bundes (LTDB) (English: Federal Air Transport Service), a unit of the Swiss Air Force located at Bern Airport, operates a fleet of VIP transport aircraft:^[141]

• one Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy II (T-785)
• one Bombardier Global 7500 (7-787)
• two Bombardier Challenger 604 (T-751, T-752), for transport and medical evacuation
• one Beechcraft Model 350C Super King Air (T-721), non VIP transport, located at the Dübendorf Air Base

These aircraft are mainly used by members of the Swiss Federal Council. Travel arrangements are coordinated by the Government Travel Centre in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A Swiss-built PC-24 of Pilatus Aircraft was used between 2019 and 2022.^[142] The Beechcraft 1900D was replaced in 2020 by two Canadair CL-604 previously operated by Rega.^[143][144] A Cessna 560XL Citation Excel (T-784) has been replaced in 2025 by a Bombardier Global 7500.^[145]

Ukraine

Ukrainian UR-ABA landing at SXF in 2024

Prior to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the President of Ukraine, along with high-ranking Ukrainian government officials had use of four aircraft: a 2007 Airbus ACJ319-100 (registered UR-ABA), a 2011 Antonov An-148-100V (UR-UKR), a 2001 Antonov An-74TK-300D (UR-AWB), and a 2001 Mil Mi-8MTV-1 (UR-PAB), operated by Ukraine Air Enterprise (DAP), under the state-owned State Management of Affairs.^[146]

The An-148 and the Mil Mi-8, were transferred to Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in 2021 while the An-74 may have been lost at the Battle of Antonov Airport as DAP currently only lists UR-ABA as its sole asset.^[147][148]

Following the outbreak of the invasion, UR-ABA was taken to a Dutch Air Force Base for safekeeping, then underwent an interior and avionics refit in 2022-2023 by J&C Aero and Magnetic MRO to upgrade the communications and cabin management systems for greater security. UR-ABA has since been based out of a secure facility at Kraków International Airport (KRK) in Poland, from where she has logged countless miles flying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin, Brasília, Brussels, Oslo, Paris, Washington, D.C., and other world capitals in an effort to raise support in their fight against Russia.^[149][150]

Painted with a Ukrainian blue and yellow cheatline over a white and gray exterior, UR-ABA is a corporate jet (CJ) variant of the popular A320 family, outfitted in a VIP configuration for 19 passengers with auxiliary fuel tanks increasing her range to 6,100 nautical miles (11,100 km; 6,900 mi), and includes a built-in airstairs to eliminate the need for special passenger ground-handling equipment.^[150][151]

While UR-ABA was undergoing refit, various NATO-members states provided military transportation to President Zelenskyy in order for him to make international visits to plead his case, with UR-ABA returning to service in September 2023.^[149][152]

Between 2022 and 2023, Zelenskyy used the following aircraft:

Aircraft	Service-of-origin	Visit
2022
Boeing C-40B Clipper	United States Air Force	21 December visit to the United States[153]
2023
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III	Royal Air Force	8 February visit to the United Kingdom[154]
Airbus A321	Royal Air Force	8–9 February connecting visit to France[155]
Dassault Falcon 7X	French Air and Space Force	9 February connecting visit from to Belgium[156]
Boeing 737 BBJ	Royal Netherlands Air Force	3–4 May visit to the Netherlands[157]
Airbus A319CJ	Italian Air Force	13–14 May visit to Italy[158]
Airbus A330-200	French Air and Space Force	2023 Arab League summit, Jeddah;[159] 2023 G7 summit, Hiroshima[160]
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules	Royal Danish Air Force	20–21 August visit to Denmark[161]

United Kingdom

Airbus A330 Voyager (ZZ336)

Main articles: Air transport of the British royal family and government and VIP RAF Voyager

The British Government and Royal Family have use of an Airbus A330 Voyager,^[162] two Dassault 900LX and an Airbus A321LR for official travel. The King's Helicopter Flight also provides two AgustaWestland AW139.

The A330 is the single VIP variant of the A330 MRTT operated by the Royal Air Force and AirTanker^[163] for air refueling and military transport. The Voyager was reconfigured to include a secure satellite communications system, missile detection, conference facilities, 58 business class seats and 100 economy seats but retains its primary role for the Royal Air Force.^[164] Until December 2024, No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron of the RAF maintained an Agusta A109SP helicopter for use principally by the British Armed Forces. Until March 2022, the squadron operated four BAe 146s, which have been replaced by two Dassault 900LX aircraft.^[165] The A321 is owned and operated by Titan Airways^[166] on behalf of the UK Government.

Vatican City/Holy See

President George W. Bush walks the red carpet with Pope Benedict XVI. Behind is an Alitalia aircraft. Alitalia and its successor, ITA Airways, traditionally flies the Pope within Italy, and from Italy to foreign lands

The call sign of a papal flight within Italy is volo papale ("papal flight" in Italian) followed by the number of flights the pope has made. Pope John Paul II made 104 papal flights, so his call sign would have been Volo Papale 104.^[167]

Papal flights within the United States or chartered on a U.S. airline may be given the callsign "Shepherd One" by the Federal Aviation Administration.^{[168][169][170][171]} The Shepherd One callsign was also used by the Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-300 of Pope Francis when he departed from the Philippines.^[172]

Middle East and North Africa

Algeria

The Airbus A340-500 used by the Algerian Government, the largest aircraft currently in its fleet.

The Algerian Air Force operates a small fleet of aircraft for use by the President and government officials, the largest of which is an Airbus A340-500. This aircraft was purchased during the presidency of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who only used it once before it was mothballed for several years. It has now been returned to regular use after the inauguration of current President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Other, smaller aircraft that can be used include 2 ATR 72s, one Gulfstream G-V, and 3 Gulfstream G-IVs. Formerly used aircraft include an Ilyushin Il-18V and a Dassault Falcon 20C. Officials also occasionally use aircraft from national airline Air Algérie for travel as well.

All government aircraft use their registrations as callsigns.

Bahrain

A formerly operated Bahrain Royal Flight Boeing 747SP.

The Bahrain Royal Flight and Bahrain Defense Force operate 2 Boeing 747-400s, 1 Boeing 767-400, 1 Boeing 737-800, 5 BAe-146 of various modifications and 3 Gulfstream Aerospace (G450, G550, G650) for VIP transportation of the Bahraini royal family.

The 747-400s typically under the callsigns "BAH1"/2", the 767-400 under "BAH3", the Gulfstream G450 under "BAH4", the Gulfstream G550 under "BAH5", the Gulfstream G650 under "BAH6"/7", and the Avro RJ85 under "BAH8".

Egypt

The A340-200 used by the Egyptian government since the mid-1990s.

The government of Egypt operated an Airbus A340-200 along with a number of business jets including the Gulfstream IV and Dassault Falcon 20s in 2015.^[173]

The first presidential aircraft in Egypt was a gift from Saudi Arabia to President Anwar Sadat. Before that, President Gamal Abdel Nasser, traveled using a rented aircraft from Egyptair.

On 10 September 2021, it was announced that the Egyptian government had acquired a Boeing 747-8I, registered SU-EGY for use as a VIP transport aircraft. The 747, which had originally been ordered by Lufthansa as D-ABYE, had not been accepted by the airline and spent a number of years in the Mojave Desert as N828BA.^{[citation needed]}

In addition to Egyptian Air Force aircraft, a number of aircraft are directly under government control to transfer the president of Egypt, presidential logistics, the prime minister and members of the government, including:

Aircraft	Origin	In service
fixed-wing
Boeing 747-8	USA	1
Airbus A340-200	France	1
Beechcraft Super King Air	USA	4
Boeing 707	USA	1
Boeing 737-800	USA	4
Dassault Falcon 20	France	3
Dassault Falcon 7X	France	4
Dassault Falcon 8X	France	1
Gulfstream III	USA	2
Gulfstream IV	USA	4
VC-130H Hercules	USA	1
Helicopters
Sikorsky H-3 Sea King	USA	2
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk	USA	2
Westland Commando MK-2B	UK	2

Any aircraft carrying the president, mostly the A340, flies under the callsign "EGY1".

Iran

Iranian Airbus A340-300 acquired in September 2015

Until the early 2010s, the supreme leader, the president and other high-ranking government officials of Iran were still using the aged but famous Shahin, a special VIP designed Boeing 707 which was ordered and purchased by the Shah in the 1970s. It was initially far more luxuriously outfitted than US Air Force One (also a Boeing 707 at the time), but after the Iranian Revolution in 1979 it was redesigned as a normal VIP aircraft. Another VIP airliner, an Airbus A321 which was purchased during the 1990s, is also used on medium range trips of high officials such as the Foreign Minister, the Speaker of Parliament and the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. The other VIP aircraft in use by the government consist of one Dassault Falcon 20, three Dassault Falcon 50s and a Lockheed JetStar all operated by the Iranian Air Force, and an Airbus A340-300, operated (along with the A321) by Meraj Airlines. The government had also occasionally chartered an A340-300 from Mahan Air prior to the acquisition of the A340-300.

As of 2022, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei owns four planes: Airbus A340-313, Dassault Falcon 50, Dassault Falcon 900EX and the Airbus A321-231.

Any aircraft carrying the President uses the callsign "IRAN02".

Iraq

As of 2020, the government of Iraq operates a Boeing 737-800.

Prior to 2014, it used a Boeing 767-200 and an Airbus A310.

President Saddam Hussein had his own personal Boeing 747SP for his travel as well as few Boeing 727s and Dassault Falcons for governmental use. Now, they travel on either a Boeing 737-800 or a Boeing 767-300ER from Iraqi Airways.

The current 737 flies under the callsign "IPF", short for "Iraqi Presidential Office".

Israel

Wing of Zion undergoing final tests.

Main article: Wing of Zion

Since 1948, senior officials of the Israel government, including the President and the Prime Minister, have either travelled on military aircraft supplied by the Israeli government or on commercially-chartered aircraft.^[174]

In the early years of Israel's existence, prime minister David Ben-Gurion travelled using military aircraft belonging to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), such as the Douglas DC-3.^[174][175] However, in the 1960s, the IAF chose to use a specially-adapted Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, for ministerial travel abroad.^[174] From the 1970s onwards, government officials were transported internationally using second-hand Boeing 707 aircraft, which were purchased beforehand from commercial airlines and specifically configured for VIP transportation.^[174] The 707 was retired by the IAF in 2001.^[176]

Beginning from the 2000s, senior Israeli government officials have been transported abroad using commercial airliners leased by the Ministry of Defense from El Al.^[177] For short-range international flights, El Al's inventory of Boeing 737 aircraft have been customarily used, while the larger wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 767 and 777 have been supplied for long-range transcontinental travel.^[174] Nonetheless, this practice has been criticized for its annual incurrence of high costs stemming from leasing and transportation, in addition to the planes' lack of secure communication facilities.^[178][176]

In April 2014, Israel's Cabinet approved a decision to procure an aircraft dedicated exclusively for the transport of the president and the prime minister.^[179] The move, which specified the purchase of a second-hand airliner and its reconfiguration for VIP transport, was initially estimated to cost around NIS 393 million.^[174] In 2016, Israel purchased a second-hand Boeing 767-300ER originally operated by Qantas, which had first flown in 2000.^[180] The 767, dubbed the Knaf Zion (Wing of Zion) was retrofitted with infrared missile-defense countermeasures and a secure communications suite over a span of two years, and first flew in November 2019.^[180][181]

Jordan

Jordan Airbus A318J

The members of the royal family and government officials use an Airbus A318-112 Elite. They also can use either private aircraft or other government aircraft at their disposal. The Jordanian King has also been known to use a UAE Boeing 777-200 belonging to the Amiri Flight Wing.

Any plane carrying the royal family or government flies under a Royal Jordanian callsign "RJA" or the registration.

Kuwait

State of Kuwait Airbus A340-500

Until April 2013, the Emir of Kuwait used a Boeing 747-400; since then he has used either one of two Airbus A340-500 airframes equipped with military defense equipment to protect the aircraft from any potential attacks, or since 2016, a Boeing 747-8 equipped similarly to the A340s. The aircraft are also used by the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

The rest of the official state aircraft used by senior ruling family members and cabinet members consist of:

Aircraft	Quantity
Airbus A319	1
Airbus A320	1
Airbus A340-500	2
Boeing 737-900ER	1
Boeing 747-8	1
Gulfstream G550	1

These aircraft all fly under "KUG" (Kuwaiti Government) callsigns with some differences.

Lebanon

A Middle East Airlines Airbus A330-200 boarding the Lebanese President and the Lebanese delegation to the United Nations at New York-JFK Airport.

For his local and regional trips, the Lebanese president uses a Lebanese Air Force VIP variant of an AgustaWestland AW139 code named "Cedar 1"; the helicopter was a gift from the Emir of Qatar HH Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The president uses Middle East Airlines (MEA) jets for his international trips. MEA aircraft use "Cedar Jet 1" (MEA1) as a special call sign when they are transporting the president. It is also worth noting that "Cedar Jet 3" (MEA3) is used for transporting the Prime Minister.

Middle East Airlines specifically uses OD-MRL as the main aircraft for the President and Prime Minister's trips, which is the 5000th A320 ever built by Airbus and holds the #05000 serial number (MSN).^[182]

Libya

During the rule of Muammar Gaddafi, the government operated an Airbus A340-200 for international travel. After his overthrow, the plane was ferried to Perpignan in France in 2014 for repairs. It was then released seven years later and now flies for the current government. A Dassault Falcon 900EX has also been used for travel, along with a retired Ilyushin Il-62M and a Lockheed L-1329 Jetstar. Any plane with the president flies under the callsign "LBY001".

Mauritania

The Mauritanian Air Force currently operates a Boeing 737 BBJ in a white-livery for use by the President and government officials, registered under the callsign 5T-ONE.^[183]

Before the acquisition of this plane, the government would borrow aircraft from Mauritania Airlines, such as Boeing 737s and Embraer 175s.^{[citation needed]}

Currently, any aircraft carrying the president flies under the callsign "MRT001".^{[citation needed]}

Morocco

Moroccan Air Force Boeing 747-8

The Moroccan Air Force operates a fleet of VIP aircraft for use by Moroccan officials, including the King and Prime Minister of Morocco:

Aircraft	Quantity
Boeing 747-400	1
Boeing 747-8	1
Boeing 737-800	1
Cessna 560XL Citation XLS Plus	3
Dassault Falcon 50	1
Dassault Falcon 10	1
Gulfstream II	1
Gulfstream III	1
Gulfstream G550	2
Gulfstream G650	1
British Aerospace 146	1
AgustaWestland AW139	1

A fleet of smaller jets and Beechcraft Super King Air 200/350 turboprops, is also occasionally used for VIP-transport of the royal family, ministers and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces senior staff.

All aircraft use either a Royal Air Maroc callsign or the callsigns "RMAF" or "FRV".

Oman

Main article: Royal Flight of Oman

The Royal Flight of Oman operates the following aircraft for use by the Sultan of Oman and members of his government.

Aircraft	Origin	In service
fixed-wing
Boeing 747-8	USA	1
Boeing 747-400	USA	1
Boeing 747SP	USA	1
Airbus A320	France	1
Airbus A319	France	3
Gulfstream G550	USA	2
Helicopters
Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma	France	6
Eurocopter Fennec	France	3

All planes fly under the callsign "OMAN" or "ORF

Qatar

Main article: Qatar Amiri Flight

The government-owned carrier Qatar Amiri Flight is used to transport royal and other VIP government personnel.

These aircraft, with the exception of the A320, all fly under a regular Qatar Airways callsign. All aircraft fly under Qatari Air Force (QAF) callsigns.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian Government Boeing 747-300 parked at JFK Airport in New York City.

The Saudi royal family and government have multiple fleets of aircraft at their disposal. The Saudi Arabian Government operates a Boeing 747-300, a Boeing 747-400, a Boeing 757-200, an Airbus A340-200 and a Boeing 777-300ER for use by the King of Saudi Arabia.^[184] Saudi Royal Flight operates an Airbus A318 corporate jet. In the mid-2010s the Saudi government struck a deal with Boeing to purchase two Boeing 787s, registrations HZ-MF7 and HZ-MF8 for exclusive use by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. These aircraft were not painted in the normal Saudia livery, but in the livery for aircraft operated by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and Economy. Other aircraft operated by the ministry are three Boeing 737 Business Jets and three Gulfstream G300s. Other aircraft used by Saudi royals are two Boeing 737-700 BBJ and one Gulfstream G450 operated by the Saudi Air Force, painted in an all-white livery with a Saudi flag on the tail and green stripes across the fuselage, and aircraft operated by Saudi Aramco.^{[citation needed]}

Aircraft	Origin	In service
fixed-wing
Boeing 787	US	2
Boeing 747-400	US	1
Boeing 747-300	US	1
Boeing 747SP	US	1
Boeing 777-300ER	US	1
Boeing 757-200	US	1
Boeing 737 BBJ	US	5
Airbus A340-200	France	2
Airbus A318 ACJ	France	1
Gulfstream G450	US	1
Gulfstream G300	US	3
Helicopters
AW 101	Italy	1
AW 139	Italy	3
Sikorsky S-92	US	2

All planes except the 737 BBJ fly under the regular Saudi callsign SVA. The 737 flies under the callsign SHU.^{[citation needed]}

Somalia

A Somali Airlines Boeing 707-338C at Frankfurt, West Germany in 1985. The air transport of the President would be visually identical.

The government of Somalia under Presidents Aden Adde and Abdirashid Shermarke travelled on a Douglas DC-3.

The government of Somalia under President Siad Barre and government officials often travelled on a Ilyushin Il-62 up until the mid-1970s and would travel on a Boeing 707 after. The aircraft would be in the livery of the state-owned and flag carrier airline at the time, Somali Airlines.^[185]

Sudan

President Omar al-Bashir typically used to travel on an Ilyushin Il-62 or a Dassault Falcon 50.^{[citation needed]} Two Mil Mi-17 VIP helicopters are also used for domestic air transport.^[186] An Embraer EMB-135 with a brown livery and a Dassault Falcon 20F are also used. Currently in the government fleet there is a (reg: ST-PSA)^{[citation needed]}

In 2021 an A320 was noted in Abu Dhabi with Sudanese government titles (registered A6-EIP). As this plane used to be operated by Etihad, the plane flies under a four-digit Etihad callsign and still retains its original registration.^{[citation needed]}

Syria

Government of Syria Dassault Falcon 900

As of 2025, the current Syrian transitional government does not seem to operate any form of air transport specifically for use by government officials.

Prior to the fall of the Assad regime, the Ba'athist-led government of Syria operated a Dassault Falcon 900 in 2016.,^[187] alongside a Dassault Falcon 20E and a Dassault Falcon 50, which all use special Syrianair callsigns. Former president Bashar al-Assad used an Airbus A320 from Syrianair during a landmark trip to Saudi Arabia.^[188]

Tunisia

Republic of Tunisia Boeing 737 BBJ

The government of Tunisia operates a Boeing 737 BBJ bought in 1999 and registered under TS-IOO. In 2008, President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali tried to replace it with an Airbus A340-542 registered TS-KRT, but he only used it once before he sent it back to France to change the interior design. Ben Ali was ousted in the Tunisian Revolution in 2011 and the post-revolutionary government sought to get rid of the aircraft, eventually selling it to the Turkish government in 2016.^[187] Whenever a plane is carrying the President, it uses the callsign "TUNIS1".

Turkey

Turkish Government Boeing 747-8 landing at Beijing Capital International Airport in July 2019.

The government of Turkey has a VIP fleet which is maintained by Turkish Airlines for and on behalf of the President. Airplanes and helicopters use the state aircraft hangar at Ankara Esenboğa Airport as its main base, which was opened in 2013. The maintenance and parking operations of these aircraft and helicopters are performed here. The airplanes and helicopters are used for the domestic and international flights of the President, Vice presidents, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly and ministers. In 2016, there was a total of 2026 flight hours performed by 11 aircraft. In the same year, the three helicopters flew together for a total of 485 hours. Flight operations and catering services of the aircraft is done by Turkish Airlines staff, while the maintenance of aircraft is done by Turkish Technic staff. The maintenance and flight operations of the helicopters are carried out by Presidential personnel.^[189]

The composition of the Turkish government fleet is shown in the table below.

Aircraft	In Fleet	Registration
Fixed-wing
Airbus A318-112(CJ)	1	TC-ANK
Airbus A319-133(CJ)	1	TC-IST
Airbus A330-243	1	TC-TUR
Airbus A340-541	1	TC-CAN
Boeing 747-8(BBJ)	1	TC-TRK
Bombardier CL-600-2B19	1	TC-TRY
Gulfstream G550	1	TC-ATA
Gulfstream G550	1	TC-CBK
Gulfstream G550	1	TC-DAP
Gulfstream G-IV	1	TC-GAP
Gulfstream G-IV	1	TC-GVA
Gulfstream G-IV	1	TC-GVB
Total	13	—
Helicopters
Sikorsky S-92	3	EM-001 EM-002 EM-003

The Airbus A340-500 was purchased from the Tunisian government after President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who ordered it to replace a Boeing BBJ, was ousted.^{[citation needed]}

A heavily modified Boeing 747-8 was gifted to Turkey by the royal family of Qatar.^[190]

When the President is on board any aircraft, the call-sign is "Turkish Republic One"/TRK1.^{[citation needed]}

United Arab Emirates

Dubai Royal Air Wing – Boeing 747-400

The United Arab Emirates has seven constituent Emirates, each one with its own private jet fleet. The most notable fleets are maintained by the Dubai Royal Air Wing and Presidential Flight (UAE).

The Dubai Royal Air Wing has 10 aircraft ranging in size from a Boeing 737-700 to a Boeing 747-400, used by the Emir of Dubai as well as government officials.

The Presidential Flight of the Abu Dhabi Emirate has 8 aircraft, the smallest being an Airbus A320-200 and the largest being a Boeing 787-9.

The Sharjah Royal Flight uses an Airbus A319 and Airbus A320.

The Fujairah Amiri flight has one aircraft, an Airbus A320.

The Boeing 777 in the fleet has also, in the past, been used by the Jordanian royal family for trips overseas; if this happens then any "UNITED ARAB EMIRATES" titles are removed from the fuselage of the plane to avoid confusion.

In 2024, the Royal Air Wing began repainting its 777 and 787 aircraft from the previous white and red livery into the liveries of national airlines Emirates and Etihad.

Aircraft	In Fleet	Orders
Boeing 747-400	4	—
Boeing 777	2	—
Airbus A319-100	1	—
Airbus A320-200	3	—
Boeing 737-7/8	7	—
Boeing 787 Dreamliner	4	—
Total	21	—

The planes use the callsign "Dubai" or "AUH"

Yemen

A Boeing 747SP of the Yemeni government in Yemenia colors taking off from Frankfurt Airport (2004).

Yemenia operated a VIP-configured Boeing 747SP registered 7O-YMN for use by the government of Yemen. The aircraft carried the Yemenia Yemen Airways livery.^{[citation needed]} In March 2015, the Boeing 747SP was damaged by gunfire during a militia attack at Aden International Airport, and a subsequent blaze destroyed the aircraft completely.^[191] In August 2016, the internationally recognized government bought a Boeing 757-200 registered 7O-VIP that previously operated as a VIP transport for Uzbekistan Airways with UK75700 as its registration.^{[citation needed]}The 757 underwent refit and repaint in Yemen government's livery at GMF AeroAsia's maintenance facility at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta, prior to delivery to Yemen.^{[citation needed]}

Any aircraft carrying the president uses the callsign "IYE1".^{[citation needed]}

North America

Antigua and Barbuda

The Prime Minister and members of the government use a Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander operated by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Air Wing for short-haul trips, whereas commercial airlines are utilised for long-haul trips.

Canada

Main article: Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft

The CC-330 Husky is used to transport the Canadian monarch, governor general, and/or prime minister

The Royal Canadian Air Force operates five CC-150 Polaris aircraft (Airbus A310-300), flown by crews of 437 Transport Squadron based at CFB Trenton; four are configured as normal airliners with cargo transport and aerial refuelling capability, while one, No. 001, is operated in a VIP configuration and charged with flying the monarch, other members of the Royal Family, the governor general, the prime minister, and other high-ranking government officials and foreign dignitaries. This aircraft flies under the callsign "CFC01". The CC-150 Polaris is primarily used for long-distance trips; for short-distance trips, four CC-144 aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 600), operated by 412 Squadron are used.^[192][193] On 5 June 2020, it was announced that two of the CC-144 aircraft based on model 601 would be replaced by newer airframes based on model 650 due to issues of compatibility of the upcoming ADS-B standards.^[194][195]

In November 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took his first flight aboard a refurbished Airbus A330-200 purchased from Kuwait Airways.^[196] The aircraft, known as Airbus 02, replaced the previous Airbus A310-300 known as Airbus 01.

Costa Rica

The Air Surveillance Service is a department in the Ministry of Public Security which is in charge of police surveillance in airspace. This department has one Beechcraft King Air F90-1 and one MD 600N helicopter. The aircraft are available for surveillance and transportation for the president of Costa Rica and other government dignitaries. In 2018 Costa Rica bought one Beechcraft King Air 250.^[197] Commercial aircraft are also used when necessary.

Cuba

Transportation for the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, President and Prime Minister is the responsibility of Cubana de Aviación, one of Cuba's state-owned airlines. Although the entire fleet is available for presidential use, the most commonly used aircraft is an Ilyushin Il-96 registered CU-T1250. The government has also been known to use aircraft from ally Venezuela's flag carrier Conviasa.

The aircraft fly under special Cubana callsigns.

Dominican Republic

The Air Force of the Dominican Republic maintains the VIP helicopter fleet, which includes a Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, Bell 430, and Eurocopter EC155 models to transport the President of the Dominican Republic and others high-ranking officials inside the country.

For overseas and long-distance travel the government travel either on commercial or private aircraft, usually opting to rent private airplanes.

El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele uses a version of the Bell 412 helicopter for local flights. The president also has military aircraft, helicopters and a presidential turboprop for his use.

For short-haul flights, a Beechjet 400A is used from its base at Ilopango International Airport in the capital, San Salvador, and for long-haul flights, commercial aircraft are used.

Guatemala

Republic of Guatemala Beechcraft King Air 300 in 2016

The Guatemalan President usually travels in a Guatemalan Air Force Beechcraft King Air 300 turboprop aircraft, with capacity for 10 passengers, for international travels, or in a Guatemalan Air Force Bell 412 helicopter for travels inside Guatemala. For longer flights, or flights when Guatemalan Air Force aircraft are unavailable, the president has been known to travel using commercial or rented civilian aircraft.

Honduras

Main article: Honduran presidential aircraft

Honduras Air Force EMB135BJ

The Honduran President used an IAI Westwind aircraft owned by the Honduran Air Force until October 2014 when it was changed for an Embraer Legacy 600.^[198] Xiomara Castro promised during her presidential campaign in 2022 to sell the aircraft and fly commercially and use the money for social projects for the poor. She was later spotted using commercial aircraft during a state visit to China.^[199] The Embraer flies under the callsign FAH001.

Jamaica

The Jamaican government charters either commercial or private aircraft for use. Various helicopters from the Jamaica Defense Force fleet may also be used.

Mexico

Mexican Air Force Boeing 787-8

Former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador strictly flew commercial flights where possible. His predecessors maintained a large fleet of aircraft for VIP use, including a Boeing 787 which was acquired under the Presidency of Felipe Calderón, and first and last used by president Enrique Peña Nieto in 2016. López Obrador has since sold most of these aircraft or stored them; in particular, the Boeing 787 was sold to the Government of Tajikistan in 2022.^[200]

Aircraft	Quantity
Boeing 787-8	0
Boeing 757-200	1
Boeing 737-300	2
Gulfstream III	2
Learjet 35A	2
Aero Commander 500 family	1
Gulfstream IV	1
Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma	2
Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma	5
Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma	2

Panama

Panama presidential aircraft Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600.

The government of Panama operated two aircraft for transportation of the President of Panama:^[201] one Embraer ERJ 145 (reg.no: HP-1A) for overseas flights, which replaced a Gulfstream II, and one Sikorsky S-76 (reg.no: HP-A1A) for domestic flights. The National Aeronaval Service is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft although it does not belong to them.^[202] For long-haul trips, the government uses commercial aircraft. As of 2022, Panama is the only Central American country with a permanent presidential jet aircraft. Any plane carrying the president usually flies under PANAMA1/2 as a callsign.

United States

Main articles: Army One, Air Force One, Marine One, Navy One, Coast Guard One, and Transportation of the President of the United States

United States Air Force VC-25A (also known as Air Force One)

Air travel arrangements for the President are made by the White House Military Office, and may use one of three different types of aircraft depending on the flight and available runways. The first type is two customized Boeing 747-200B jetliners with military designation VC-25A. With a livery first designed by Raymond Loewy in 1962, they are among the most recognizable aircraft in the world and are a global symbol of the country as well as the President of the United States.^{[citation needed]} They are also considered to have inspired other nations to acquire dedicated aircraft for state travel. These aircraft are primarily used by the President and are scheduled to be replaced by Boeing 747-8i aircraft, military designation VC-25B, in the near future. The VC-25 is used for airfields with runway lengths of 3,100 m (10,200 ft) or longer because the four-engine jets require longer runways for take-offs and landings. For long-distance domestic travel and all international travel, the United States Armed Forces requires that the presidential aircraft have at least four engines.^[203]

The Vice President of the United States, the First Lady and Second Ladies/Gentlemen, the Secretary of State and other high-ranking officials may use customized Boeing 757-200, Boeing 737 or Gulfstream G550 aircraft with military designations C-32A, C-40B and C-37A/B, respectively. The President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States may also use these aircraft, upon courtesy extended by the departing Administration. Each of these aircraft bear liveries based on the Loewy design. The exact aircraft used will depend on the length and destination of the flight, as these aircraft may take off and land using runways of 1,600 m (5,200 ft) in length.^[204][205] However, the President only uses either VC-25A or C-32 aircraft – though, exceptionally, President Barack Obama once used a C-37A for private travel to New York City in 2009^[206] – while the Vice President almost always uses C-32 aircraft.^{[citation needed]} For long-distance domestic travel and international trips, the Secretary of Defense uses one of four modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft with the military designation of E-4B.^{[citation needed]} These aircraft are specially fitted to serve as National Emergency Airborne Command Posts during wartime.^{[citation needed]}

Aircraft	In Fleet	Orders
Boeing VC-25A	2	—
Boeing VC-25B	—	2
Boeing C-32A	8	—
Boeing C-40 Clipper	2	—
Total	12	2

Marine One, carrying George W. Bush, flies over the devastated community of Greensburg, Kansas, after a tornado outbreak in May 2007.

The callsign of any aircraft is regular if it is not currently carrying the President or vice-president. The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the President is called that military branch name followed by "One", such as Army One, Air Force One, Navy One, or Marine One (which is typically associated with a helicopter). The callsign of any military aircraft that currently carries the Vice President is called that military branch name followed by "Two", such as Air Force Two, Coast Guard Two, or Marine Two (which is typically associated with a helicopter). In the one instance that the President traveled on a private aircraft its callsign was Executive One, and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller's private Gulfstream was Executive Two when he was on board during his term of office.^{[citation needed]}

In addition, the US military maintains separate fleets of Boeing C-40 Clippers (Boeing 737-700), C-37As (Gulfstream V) and C-37Bs (Gulfstream G550) for use by government officials, Members of Congress and the White House. These may have different liveries than the Loewy design.^{[citation needed]}

Oceania

Australia

See also: Royal Australian Air Force VIP aircraft

An RAAF Boeing 737 BBJ at Sydney Airport

The Royal Australian Air Force operates a number of specialised aircraft to carry the King of Australia, members of the Royal Family, the Governor-General of Australia, the Prime Minister of Australia, senior members of the Australian government, and foreign, mostly Pacific Island, dignitaries.

An Airbus A330 MRTT multi-role tanker was announced by Defence Minister David Johnston in 2014 to be acquired for VIP transport, while maintaining its original ability to serve as a military tanker and transport aircraft.^[1] The aircraft has the registration A39-007 and is painted in an "air force grey" livery rather than the white colour scheme. The aircraft has 100 lie-flat seats for its passengers.

The RAAF's other VIP aircraft are two leased Boeing Business Jets and three Dassault Falcon 7Xs which are operated by the No. 34 Squadron RAAF and are based at Canberra Airport. The Falcon 7Xs replaced three Bombardier Challenger 604s in 2019. The Boeing Business Jets are custom configured Boeing 737-700s, fitted with facilities such as conference tables, offices suites, secure satellite and communication capabilities. These two aircraft have a longer range than what is standard for Boeing Business Jets. The Prime Minister regularly makes use of the aircraft for domestic and international travel.

The BBJs and Challenger 604s replaced five No. 34 Squadron Dassault Falcon 900s and passenger-configured Boeing 707s tanker transports of No. 33 Squadron RAAF in 2002. These in turn replaced two BAC One-Elevens, three Dassault Falcon 20s and two Hawker Siddeley HS 748s.

Beginning in 2024, the RAAF have introduced new Boeing 737 MAX 8 BBJs into the fleet to replace the leased Boeing 737-700.^[207]

These aircraft usually fly under the typical RAAF callsign "ASY" when overseas or "EVY" domestically.

Fiji

The government uses commercial aircraft, e.g. Fiji Airways, for travel abroad, or they use government aircraft borrowed from other countries.

New Zealand

Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757-200 at Kemble Airfield, Gloucestershire, England, UK, for an air display.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force maintains two Boeing 757-200s which are occasionally used to transport the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, various other government officials, as well as members of the Royal Family when on New Zealand business. As multi-role aircraft, they are more often used as transport aircraft for troops or freight. Generally, the Prime Minister and government officials use commercial or chartered flights (with Air New Zealand where available) to travel both domestically and internationally. The 757s replaced a pair of aging Boeing 727s. The planes use a regular RNZAF "KIWI/KIW" callsign. In 2025, it was announced that two Airbus A321XLRs would be acquired to replace the aging 757s.^[208]

Palau

The government uses turbo-prop or commercial aircraft for travel.

Papua New Guinea

The government uses a Dassault Falcon 900EX (Reg: P2-ANW) for overseas travel, which flies under a special Air Niugini callsign. Otherwise, the government utilises commercial aircraft.

Tuvalu

As documented in November 2025 by German aviation-related content creator Josh Cahill, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu has been seen using a Cessna Citation 700 chartered by the U.S. government during an international trip within the Pacific.^[209]

South America

Argentina

Tango 01 of Argentine Republic

The Argentinian government currently uses a Boeing 757 outfitted in a VIP configuration for use as presidential transport, which was delivered in May 2023.^[210][211]

The government under Cristina Fernández de Kirchner once operated a much larger fleet of aircraft and helicopters for exclusive use by the President of Argentina and his or her family. This fleet of aircraft was known as the "Agrupación Aérea Presidencial" (literally Spanish for "Presidential Air Group") and belonged to one of the Departments of the Presidency, called the Military House (known in Spanish as "Casa Militar"). This department was responsible for presidential security and transportation. The fleet of the Presidential Air Group in 2014 was composed of:^{[citation needed]}

• 1 Boeing 757-200
• 1 Fokker F-28-4000 Fellowship
• 1 Fokker F-28-1000C Fellowship
• 1 Boeing 737-500^[212]
• 1 Learjet 60
• 1 Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk
• and 2 Sikorsky S-76Bs.

The Agrupación Aérea Presidencial was closed in 2016 by then-president Mauricio Macri due to the high cost of repairs and maintenance, the lack of adequate pilots and spare parts and a lack of economic viability.^[213]

All aircraft from the Agrupación Aérea Presidencial remained stored after closure; however, Macri used the Boeing 737-500 for domestic and short-haul trips, while using private jets for long-haul trips.^{[citation needed]}

In 2014, economy minister Axel Kicillof and foreign minister Héctor Timerman traveled to the G20 Summit in Brisbane in place of President Kirchner; however, due to maintenance issues, a private Swiss-registered Dassault Falcon 7X was leased and used. The plane flew from Rio Gallegos to Christchurch for a stopover before flying to Brisbane. President Kirchner also once used a Comlux Aviation Bombardier when she attended the 2010 G20 meeting in Seoul.^{[citation needed]}

When President Alberto Fernandez assumed power, his mode of air transport was an Aerolineas Argentinas Airbus A330-200, which would fly under the callsign "PRESI01".^{[citation needed]}

When the current Boeing 757 is carrying the president it flies under the callsign "ARG1".^{[citation needed]}

Bolivia

A Dassault Falcon 50EX and a 900EX of the Bolivian Air Force for presidential and vice-presidential use

The first known government jet owned by the Bolivian government was a Rockwell Sabreliner business-jet, acquired in 1975 for use by the president and government officials and operated by the Bolivian Air Force. In July 2010, the government bought a Dassault Falcon 900EX for use by the president, and in July 2013, the government acquired a Dassault Falcon 50EX for use by the Executive Body.

Any aircraft carrying the President flies under the callsign "FAB001".

Brazil

Main article: Brazilian Air Force One

Airbus A319 VC-1A of the Brazilian Air Force One

The main Presidential aircraft used by the Brazilian Government is a modified Airbus A319, designated by the Brazilian Air Force as VC-1A and officially christened as the "Santos-Dumont", after the Brazilian aviation pioneer. The VC-1A is used for transporting the President on international medium-range travel.^{[citation needed]} For certain long-range flights the government uses a Boeing 767, which has a lease from 2017 to 2025.^[214] For short-range flights the President is transported in one of the two modified Embraer 190 presidential jets. When an aircraft is transporting the President of Brazil it uses the callsign "BRS1", or "Força Aérea 01" in Portuguese.^{[citation needed]}

Meanwhile, the Special Transport Group (GTE) of the Brazilian Air Force is mainly responsible for transporting the President, the vice-president and senior ministers of the Brazilian Government. The fleet of the GTE comprises 22 aircraft:^{[citation needed]}

• One VIP-configured Airbus A319 (VC-1A), nicknamed "Santos-Dumont", used on all international flights carrying the President.
• Two modified VIP-configured Embraer 190 jets, nicknamed "Bartolomeu de Gusmão" and "Augusto Severo", used on domestic and regional flights carrying the President and as a backup aircraft accompanying the President on international flights.
• Two VIP-configured Eurocopter Super Puma (VH-34) presidential helicopters.
• Two VIP-configured Embraer ERJ-135 (VC-99C) aircraft.
• Ten Embraer ERJ-145 (C-99A) aircraft.
• Three Gates Learjet 35 (VU-35) jets.

The fleet is headquartered at the Brasília Air Force Base (BABR).^{[citation needed]}

Chile

FACh Boeing 737-500 VIP transport at Sydney Airport in Australia

The transportation of the president was formerly operated by state-owned flag carrier Lan Airlines, providing a Boeing 707 or a Boeing 737-200.^{[citation needed]}

Nowadays, the transportation is under the responsibility of the Chilean Air Force, which operates the following aircraft:^{[citation needed]}

• 1 Boeing 737-500
• 1 Beechcraft 200 King Air
• 1 Gulfstream IV
• 1 Boeing 767-300ER^[215]

Formerly, the Air Force also used a Boeing 707-320C which is still in service for military purposes.^{[citation needed]}

Any aircraft carrying the president flies under the callsign "FACH1".^{[citation needed]}

Colombia

Main article: Colombian Air force One

Colombian presidential aircraft, FAC 0001

In 1933, Colombia acquired its first presidential transport aircraft, a Junkers Ju 52/3m, one of the most advanced aircraft of that time. It served President Enrique Olaya Herrera until its retirement from service in 1950. From 1953 to 1972, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster served as the presidential aircraft starting with the dictatorship of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (1953–57).

In 1972 a new Fokker F28-1000 became the presidential aircraft during the presidency of Misael Pastrana Borrero.

In 2005, Colombia operated the following aircraft for presidential transport:

Aircraft	Quantity
Fixed-wing
Boeing 737-700BBJ	1
Fokker F28 Fellowship	2
Embraer Legacy 600	1
Learjet 60	1
Helicopters
Bell 412	2
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk	1

The Colombian president may use the modified "Jupiter" Boeing KC-767 for longer-range flights.

Any aircraft carrying the president flies under the callsign "FAC0001".

Ecuador

Rafael Correa's presidential Embraer Legacy 600 arriving at Camilo Ponce Enríquez Airport in Loja, Ecuador, in September 2013.

Ecuador had a Dassault Falcon 7X and an Embraer Legacy 600 for presidential long and short range transport respectively, both acquired in recent years by Rafael Correa's government.^[216] They replaced an older fleet of Rockwell Sabreliners and Avro 748s. Aircraft from commercial airline TAME have also been used. In 2021, president Guillermo Lasso ordered the retirement and sale of the presidential plane as part of a decree to "rationalize public spending and balance the national budget by selling unproductive assets whose conservation would be inefficient or unnecessary".^[217][218]

Any plane carrying the president flies under the callsign "FAE001".^{[citation needed]}

Guyana

A Beechcraft B300 King Air is currently used by the Guyanese government for overseas travel, registered 8R-GPW.

Paraguay

In 2019, a Cessna Citation Sovereign donated by the Taiwanese government was placed in service with the Paraguayan Air Force (FAP) as a VIP and presidential aircraft. Alfredo Stroessner, head of state from 1954 to 1989, used a de Havilland Dove and later a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter as a VIP transport; although the Twin Otter remained in the FAP inventory, subsequent presidents instead used two privately owned aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air 350 and a Boeing 707, until the 707 was retired without replacement in 1998.^[219] The Cessna is registered as FAP-3001 and is painted in the colors of the Paraguayan flag. A regular Paraguayan Air Force callsign is used.^{[citation needed]}

Peru

Boeing 737 of Republic of Peru

The official aircraft of the President of Peru is a Boeing 737-500 of the Peruvian Air Force, acquired in 1995 during Alberto Fujimori's presidency. President Pedro Castillo promised to sell the aircraft and fly commercial, use the money for health and education for the poor, as well as considering banning government officials from flying first class.^[220] The plane flies under a Peruvian Air Force callsign.^{[citation needed]}

Suriname

The Government of Suriname currently uses commercial flights for travel.

In the past an Airbus A340-313 was chartered from Surinam Airways and has been used for international and long haul flights. For flights in the Americas, a Boeing 737-300 was also chartered from Surinam Airways. For domestic flights, a helicopter is chartered from Hi-Jet Helicopter Services.

A China Southern Airlines Airbus A330 was also used to transport the President during a 2019 trip to China.

Uruguay

Main article: Presidential air transport of Uruguay

Uruguayan Air Force Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia

The President of Uruguay uses an Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, operated by the Uruguayan Air Force, which uses a regular Uruguayan Air Force callsign, for flights within South America. Outside the continent, commercial flights are used.

Venezuela

Two government aircraft in 2019 were transferred to the management of the national airline Conviasa, repainted in its colors and re-registered. These aircraft include one Airbus A319CJ (ex-reg: 0001) – YV2984, and one Boeing 737-200 (ex-reg: 0207) – YV3434. An Embraer Lineage 1000 (reg:YV3016) from Conviasa is used too.^{[citation needed]}

President Hugo Chavez often traveled on board an Ilyushin Il-96 aircraft owned by Cubana de Aviacion. A fleet of about 15 Dassault Falcons 900EXes, Falcon 50s and Learjets 45s is used for high-ranking officials.^{[citation needed]}

The planes use the callsign "Venezuelan Air Force 001/FAV0001" when carrying the President.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• Aviation portal

• Official state car – Secured vehicles used to transport heads of state or government
• State visit – Formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country
• Royal train – Train for the use of the monarch or other members of the royal family
• Royal yacht – Ship used by a monarch or a royal family
• Environmental impact of aviation – Effect of emissions from aircraft engines
• Executive air transports of U.S. states – Aircraft used by subnational governments in the United States for government officials