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Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been head of State of Algeria for over 15 years now. I nominate his presidential aircraft the most ridiculous inappropriate Head of state Aircraft.
It seems to be in copy of France's Head of State aircraft.
Algeria has an estimate population of 38.7 million with a nominal GDP per capita of $5,670.
The A340-500 is certified to carry up to 375 passengers in a single class.
The jetliner’s range is up to 9,000 nautical miles.
France has an estimated population of 66.6 million with a nominal GDP per capita of $45,123.
France Airbus A330-200.
The A330-100 is certified to carry up to 375 passengers in a single class.
The jetliner’s range is up to 7,200 nautical miles.
German government also uses an Airbus A340-313 VIP. It is capable of flying 7300 nm non-stop, with the capability of transporting 143 passengers.
Italy uses a single aisle jet for the PM capable of carrying 30 people. Presumably he refuels in Gander Newfoundland when visiting the United States. A similar plane is used in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela.
But why would Algeria need a presidential jet on par with Germany and France? United Kingdom gets by strictly with leased aircraft.
Perhaps it is not just about flying the head honcho around. What is the emergency capability of the aircraft should there be a major disaster to the country? Can it serve as a flying hospital? Evac?
Can it be used to bring someone important, vital to the country?
Keep in mind that there are certain privs about a diplomatic aircraft. Consider it a great big diplomatic bag.
I think it is a little different than what kind of ice-cream you like. A widebody says you need to be able to operate the government from the air. It's also helpful if you don't want to refuel. While the POTUS is probably the first one to use two dedicated wide body aircraft, other nations feel that it is necessary. Kingdoms (particularly Arab ones) favor extreme luxury for their rulers. Large economies can use them. A small nation like Mongolia may favor one because of the long distances regularly required. But small autocratic states may use them as a way to conduct war on their own people in the case of insurrection.
Nations that use dedicated Wide-body aircraft for Head of State
A340-500 Algeria
B767-300 Azerbaijan
B777-300ER Bangladesh
B747-400 Bahrain
B767-300ER Belarus
A340-200 Brunei
A310-300 (five) Canada
A340-200 Egypt
A340-200 (two) France
A340-313X (two) Germany
A300B4-600 Iraq
B747-437B India
B747-400 Japan
A340-600 Jordan
A330 (two) Kazakhstan
A340-500 (two)Kuwait
A787 Mexico (not delivered yet)
B767-300 Mongolia
B747-400 Morocco
B747-400 Oman
A310 Pakistan
Ilyushin Il-96-300PU (two) Russia
B747-400 Saudi Arabia
B747-400 South Korea
B747SP Yemen
767-200ER Zimbabwe
Nations that use dedicated narrow-body aircraft for Head of State (may lease wide body sometimes)
Armenia
Argentina
Australia
Belgium
Bolivia
Botswana
Bulgaria
Brazil
Chile
China (747-fJ6 is converted if needed))
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba (Ilyushin Il-96 is converted if needed)
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
El Salvador
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Georgia
Greece
Honduras
Hong Kong
Iran
Kenya
Korea (north)
Indonesia (occasional A330-300s )
Ireland
Italy
Ivory Coast
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Moldava
Namibia
Nigeria
Norway
Palestine
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
United Kingdom (no dedicated aircraft solely for civilian use)
Yugoslavia
Zaire
Zambia
Perhaps it is not just about flying the head honcho around. What is the emergency capability of the aircraft should there be a major disaster to the country?
The POTUS Air force one when flying to Johannesburg (13000 km)
Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD (ADW) to Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, ZA (JNB)
stops to refuel in Dakar Senegal (about halfway point).
A Gulfstream G550( US$53.5 million) can transport 14–19 passengers up to 10,700 km, which should satisfy most head of state requirements. Even Air Force One must refuel probably that often. Cabin Space is about 300 square feet.
A Boeing BBJ3 (based on the 737-900ER) can transport 19 passengers up 9,909 km. Cabin space is 1120 square feet so they can carry over 100 people and still have room for a bedroom and conference room.
If it was just about flying the head honcho around and a small entourage, a jet like this would do.
They are not used as a flying hospital or for general evacuation. They don't freight vital goods. And controversy is huge if substances like cocaine is found on a presidential jet (like in Peru), so they are not really giant diplomatic pouches.
But these widebodies are about the ability to conduct war from the air. To completely run the government for a period of time. The need to have several hundred people at your disposal.
As I said earlier, there are other types of jets that the head of state can use to be self-indulgent. But a large widebody aircraft with more than 3000 square feet
A340-500 Algeria
A340-200 Egypt
A300B4-600 Iraq
A330 (two) Kazakhstan
A310 Pakistan
B747SP Yemen
B767-200ER Zimbabwe
These giant planes operated in poor countries are designed to direct a war from the air.
As I said earlier, there are other types of jets that the head of state can use to be self-indulgent. But a large widebody aircraft with more than 3000 square feet
A340-500 Algeria
A340-200 Egypt
A300B4-600 Iraq
A330 (two) Kazakhstan
A310 Pakistan
B747SP Yemen
B767-200ER Zimbabwe
These giant planes operated in poor countries are designed to direct a war from the air.
I don't think that is it. I think there are a few reasons
1) Prestige - Having a big glossy plane makes it stand out when you arrive. Lots of corporate types fly around in Gulfstreams and using such would just blend in. but an A3xx of B7xx stands out.
2) Range - these aircraft allow minimal stops which can cause diplomatic issues. Also it allows them to take a large staff with them. This all leads to what I think is a big reason
3) Get out of Town- In case of a coup all these planes have the range and capacity to allow the leader to get himself and his immediate entourage out of town and to an accommodating location. As long as you can get out of the countries airspace and you have a loyal flight crew you have an escape plan.
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