Six years after a scandal erupted over leasing terms for 100 Boeing KC-767s, the US Air Force continues to fly two Boeing-owned 737 business jets on a leased basis.
But not for long.
The USAF's leased C-40B and C40C that have transported so many congressional delegations (CODELs), high-ranking dignitaries, and even a few troops to bases all over the world are nearing the end of their lease terms. One aircraft's lease expires in December and the other expires next August.
So it's time to acquire a couple of new VIP business jets, but this time the USAF is taking a very different approach. The USAF is now soliciting to buy two used commercial jets rather than lease new aircraft. The USAF doesn't specifically ask for 737s, but the range and payload requirements dictate a next-generation 737 or Airbus A320.
And the USAF wants the aircraft, pronto. If you want this deal, you must deliver the first aircraft by 1 December, or in 81 days!
I wonder if the quick turn-around means the USAF simply wants to buy the leased C-40B and C-40C off Boeing?
Photo: US Air Force
on September 10, 2009 5:10 PM | Reply
Anyone care to hazard a guess at what one of these was doing at Farnborough airport, England about 10 days ago?
on September 11, 2009 12:39 PM | Reply
If you mean 05-4613 (which is not one of the 2 leased machines) then it was in Farnborough around Sept 4th, at the same time as the G20 Finance Ministers meeting, so probably carried the US Finance guy (not sure what their official title is).
on September 11, 2009 4:28 PM | Reply
Thanks Scoreboard. I remember seeing coverage of the G20 meeting at the same time, put two and two and assumed it was carrying the Treasury Secretary. For once it would appear that I actually got four! :)