'Blair Force One' plans get boost

‘Blair Force One’ plans get boost

American presidents have long had their own jet
The prime minister and the defence secretary should have a special plane to fly them around the world on official trips, say military chiefs.
The call for the new plane, which is already being dubbed “Blair Force One” and would especially be used in times of crisis, was made by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon.

Mr Hoon told Parliament’s influential Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) it was important to have an aircraft fitted with secure communications equipment for Tony Blair to keep in close touch with their officials at all times.

Britain’s intelligence chiefs are backing the call, saying that under present arrangements ministers can be out of touch for hours.

‘Worth the money’

Ann Taylor, who chairs the ISC spy watchdog, has now given her support to the move.

In its annual report, which reveals Mr Hoon’s appeal, the committee says: “We are persuaded that this expense can be justified.”

Ministry of Defence sources said Ms Taylor’s support was very helpful as in the past the government has been reluctant to order a purpose-built plane, which could cost up to £80 million and have presidential overtones.

There are now reports that the government is looking at converting a air-to-air refuelling jet for use by the prime minister and other ministers.

Such a conversion would cut down the costs considerably.

Custom built

Figures released by Downing Street last July put the overall cost of ministers’ foreign trips at £5.6m over a year which included Mr Blair’s post-11 September shuttle diplomacy.

Sources close to Mr Hoon say that chartering planes from British Airways for long haul trips, as happens how, costs more than the new plane.

Under the plans, the plane would have the latest security and communications equipment, as well as removable suites, including an office, bedroom, dressing room and kitchens.

It would also be able to tackle threats from surface-to-air missiles.

Number Ten insists the plane would not be for the sole use of the prime minister.

US presidents have had their own planes since 1944, when Franklin Roosevelt started using the “Sacred Cow”.

The “Air Force One” call sign was first used in the 1950s for the presidential plane but it was Jack Kennedy’s Boeing 747 which was first made that name popular.

The current “Air Force One” call sign is used by two specially configured Boeing 747-200B’s used by President Bush.