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50,000 hour milestone for RAAF VIP fleet

written by australianaviation.com.au | April 18, 2017

One of two RAAF BBJs. (Defence)

The RAAF’s 34 Squadron has marked 50,000 flying hours with its current fleet of two Boeing BBJ and three Bombardier Challenger 604 Special Purpose Aircraft (SPA).

The 50,000 flying hour milestone was passed in March.

“Recent flood and cyclone damage in Queensland and northern New South Wales led 34SQN to provide transport for the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to those regions,” 34 Squadron commanding officer Wing Commander Angus Porter told Air Force News.

“That such a task coincided with the squadron surpassing 50,000 flying hours with the SPA fleet is exemplary of the flexibility and reliability that we have provided government.”

The aircraft, which are leased, first entered service in 2002. Based at Fairbairn Defence Establishment at Canberra Airport, they are used predominantly on government transport/VIP tasks.

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Northrop Grumman Australia provides lease management and maintenance services for the aircraft.

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Comments (5)

  • Rhino

    says:

    AA, can you please provide an update on progress for replacing the 34SQN aircraft?

  • Mick181

    says:

    Rhino in part the capability will be replaced by one of the 2 ex Qantas A-330s now being converted to KC-30 standard with a VIP interior and an advanced Communications fitout.

  • sean

    says:

    Ah 2002 , you know that is not a lot of Flying , just saying .

  • Paul

    says:

    Sean. I think you will find the reason they are being replaced by the VIP Tankers is because of the low utilisation (average 660 hrs per year per aircraft). The KC-30’s can be a tanker first, and provide real value to the ADF, and a pollie bus second.

  • Jasonp

    says:

    The BBJs will not be replaced by KC-30.

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