The US Air Force has reversed its decision to buy up to six operational support aircraft for two procurement programmes in favour of leasing the machines.
The Commander-in-Chief (CinC) Support Aircraft Replacement Programme is seeking a 10-year lease of five intercontinental aircraft seating up to 17 passengers which will be deployed to transport regional commanders. An additional aircraft is initially being sought for its C-22 (militarised Boeing 727-100) replacement programme, which must be reconfigurable to accommodate up to 70 passengers and five crew.
Boeing Business Jets is proposing a militarised version of its BBJ to fulfil the CinC requirement, while Airbus and United Services (the airline support division of United Airlines) are considering a proposal based on the Airbus A319 Corporate Jet. The USAF plans to award the contract late next month, with all five 17-seaters set to be operational by September 2003.
Source: Flight International
