Many governments around the world use specially modified commercial aircraft for their private and secure long-distance transportation needs. For the German government, the country's "Special Air Mission Wing" is entrusted with operating a small fleet of aircraft - which largely consist of modified Airbus commercial aircraft. Today, we examine which aircraft are currently are of that fleet.
VIP transport
When it comes to transportation for government leaders, three factors are among the most heavily considered: Time, security, and reliability. Making the most of a day while limiting security threats is typically top of mind for government VIPs. While media these days might also scrutinize the sustainability of whatever mode of transport is chosen, this concern is often tertiary.
It's because of the factors listed that the German government and its Special Air Mission Wing have a fleet of private aircraft to move government VIPs around the world. Operating for well over 60 years, the formation of this unit began in 1959 with the maintenance of twin-engine propeller aircraft. As Lufthansa Technik notes, things have come a long way, and in 2022, the unit took delivery of its 2nd Airbus A350 and two Airbus A321LRs.
“The operational area of the Special Air Mission Wing is the world. Constant operational readiness, flexibility and responsiveness are required." -Captain Oliver Hartmann, Head of Quality Assurance Special Air Mission Wing, German Ministry of Defense
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Which aircraft comprise this fleet?
According to Lufthansa Technik, which provides technical support for the fleet of Germany's Special Mission Air Wing, the specially-modified fleet is as follows:
- 1 Airbus A350-900 (maximum of 133 passengers)
- 2 Airbus A340-300s (maximum of 143 passengers each)
- 1 Airbus A321-200 (maximum of 86 passengers)
- 2 Airbus A321LR (maximum of passengers 136 each)
- 2 Airbus A319-100ACJ (maximum capacity of 44 passengers each)
- 1 Airbus A319 Open Skies (special observation missions)
- 4 Bombardier Global 5000 series (maximum of 13 passengers each)
- 3 Bombardier Global 6000 series (maximum of 14 passengers each)
The fleet is set to grow over the course of 2023 and 2024, as two more Airbus A350-900s will be handed over to the German Air Force in the next two years. Germany is the first country in the world to operate a governmental Airbus A350, having previously used Airbus A340 aircraft as its flagship transport. The arrival of the first A350 to this unit was also the first time an Airbus A350 entered service without being used for commercial service.
A close relationship with Lufthansa Technik
An important subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Technik is the company tasked with modifying these commercial aircraft platforms into VIP government transports. In addition to this upfront modification work, the firm also supports Germany's Special Air Mission Wing in the daily operation of their airplanes by providing extensive technical services. Indeed, Lufthansa Technik is responsible for the maintenance of aircraft, engines, and their components.
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Sources: Lufthansa Technik, Bundeswehr, Planespotters.net