The government of Turkmenistan has signed a $130 million deal with Boeing for a corporate 767-300ER for head of state transport.

Boeing says the final configuration and specification for the 767 variant are being defined as part of the final contract negotiations. "This is a work in process," it adds. "The paperwork is still going through, and the order has not yet been formally booked."

The VVIP interior, to be outfitted by San Antonio, Texas-based completion centre Gore Design, is expected to be in a three-class configuration, including about 100 seats for Turkmenistan president Saparmurat Niyazov's entourage as well as luxury living quarters.

The 767, which is understood to include the digital -400ER standard flightdeck used on the KC-767 tanker, is scheduled for delivery in April 2005.

Niyazov says the aircraft order should eventually lead to further Boeing types being acquired by the country, including flag carrier Turkmenistan Airlines.

Source: Flight International