The aircraft would be inducted
in the inventory of the VIP Squadron of Pakistan Air Force.
Officials claimed that the money for the purchase of the
VVIP aircraft will come from the $300 million promised
US military assistance.
Senior officials of the Defence Ministry
confirmed to SAT that the initial processing for purchase
of the aircraft was being done by the Defence Production
Division. "It (purchase of the aircraft) would be
a transparent process through competition," the official
at the rank of a General said.
The official further said the deal is
being processed keeping in view the fact that the aircraft
would be air worthy for least the next 20 years.
Information gathered from different sources
revealed that the market price of a single F-16 aircraft
is approximately $15 million while a Chinese fighter Squadron
of 8-10 aircraft could
be raised for $5 million. When asked if the price tag
of $50 million could be justified, the concerned officials
said the VVIP Squadron of Pakistan Air Force needed the
aircraft as all the three planes used for the purpose
over the years have outlived their flying life.
According to "Washington Flyer"
which tracks luxury private aircraft, "such aircraft
typically cost a minimum of $1.5 million to buy a small
used jet and up to about $44 million for a new Gulfstream
V, Global Express or Boeing BBJ. Owners who aquire a used
aircraft then generally spend another $100,000 to $500,000
on refurbishment. But that's just an average. Some owners
spend more. And with state-of-the-art technological advances
and the latest design trends, what can be done aboard
private and corporate jets is nothing short of amazing."
The state of the art aircraft for use
of Pakistan's VVIP's would have the luxury and security
features including three rooms, bullet proof cockpit,
infra red security gadgetry and latest medical and communication
facilities.
The bedroom in the aircraft could be converted
into a conference room facility, a source said.
The plane under consideration for purchase
can fly directly to America non-stop with extra fuel tanks
for intercontinental range.
Officials claimed the purchase of the
aircraft was justified as it was a necessary requirement
for PAF's VIP Squadron.
Detailing the grounds for purchase, officials
said the 1955 vintage Boeing 707 used for VVIP duties
had been decommissioned for technical reasons.
A Fokker which was used for VVIP purposes
since 1967 had completed its flying hours. A Falcon purchased
in 1972 for VVIPs was now more than 30 years old.
A Boeing 707 was transferred from PIA
in 1987 to PAF's VVIP squadron. The government of Prime
Minister Benazir Bhutto came in for criticism at that
time for incorporating additional features in the VVIP
aircraft and the same was later returned back to PIA.
During the first tenure of Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif, a Boeing 737 was purchased for VIP flights
at a cost of US$28 in 1992. The plane, given to PIA during
a caretaker government, was
again used for VVIP flights during the second tenure of
Nawaz Sharif.
The plane, which remained in VVIP use
till 2000 was returned to PIA the same year by the Musharraf
government. In 2003, the PIA, was once again directed
to divert the aircraft for VVIP duties.
"A new VVIP aircraft is a dire need
for swift mobility of VVIPs and their security and it
would also spare the PIA the burden of sparing an aircraft
from its fleet for the VVIPs whenever the top executives
of the government need to travel," an official said
while justifying the purchase.
