€1 million slashed from the cost of operating the Government jet

The Irish Government jet comprises two aircraft and is operated by Ministerial Air Transport Squadron, part of the the 850-string Air Corps.  The cost of operating these dropped from €3.42 million in 2005 to €2.44 million in 2009.

The original aircraft, a Gulfstream IV, was acquired in 1991.  It can accommodate up to 14 passengers and requires a crew of two pilots, an engineer and a flight attendant.  The G IV has a range of 3,800 nautical miles, offering intercontinental transportation.

The cost of operating it since 2005 are as follows:

 

	Operating Hours	Overall Cost €
2005	395.75	2,809,825
2006	411.52	2,921,792
2007	281.33	1,997,443
2008	344.92	2,448,932
2009	220.42	1,739,114
Gulfstream IV TOTAL COST		€11,917,106

 

The second jet, a Bombardier Lear Jet 45, was acquired in 2004 prior to Ireland assuming the presidency of the EU.  It can accommodate up to 7 passengers and requires a crew of two pilots and a flight attendant.  It has a range of up to 2,000 nautical miles and serves as an air ambulance from time to time.

 

	Operating Hours	Overall Cost €
2005	293.83	617,043
2006	232.67	488,607
2007	170.25	357,525
2008	234.33	492,093
2009	239.17	705,552
Lear Jet 45  TOTAL COST		€2,660,820