Special Purpose Aircraft Fleet

Mr M J Ferguson asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 8 February 2005:

What is the composition of the Government's VIP airline fleet and how was each of the aircraft used during the week 15-22 December 2004.

Mrs Kelly - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

The Government's Special Purpose Aircraft fleet comprises of five aircraft that are operated by the Royal Australian Air Force Number 34 Squadron, these include two B737 Boeing Business Jets and three Challenger 604 aircraft. During 15-22 December 2004, the aircraft were used as follows:

Boeing Business Jet A36-001:

• 14-16 December 2004 - Prime Minister on travel within Australia; and
• 18 December 2004 - training flight.

Boeing Business Jet BJ A36-002:

• 14-19 December 2004 - Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Alexander Downer MP, to Papua New Guinea and other regional centres;
• 21-22 December 2004 - training flights; and
• 22-23 December 2004 - Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator the Hon Chris Ellison, to Honiara and return. Also returned to Australia the body of Australian Federal Police Protective Service Officer, Mr Adam Dunning.

Challenger A37-001:

• 14-17 December 2004 - A group of Ministers to Papua New Guinea and return.

Challenger A37-002:

• 16-18 December 2004 - Senator Hill to Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and return; and
• 22 December 2004 - training flight.

Challenger A37-003:

• Did not fly.

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