New Slovak 'Air Force One' lands in Bratislava
Xinhua, June 14, 2016 Adjust font size:
An 11-year-old Airbus A319-115 CJ, which is due to serve as the new Slovak 'Air Force One,' landed at Bratislava airport on Tuesday morning, announced Slovak Interior Minister Robert Kalinak.
"There's a presidential cabin, premises for the entourage, for journalists, and if necessary, part of the area on board can be converted into evacuation premises, doubling its capacity," said Kalinak on Tuesday in a press briefing at the airport.
The official added that part of the plane can also be changed into a medical cabin with five couches for patients with medium and severe injuries.
"So, for the first time we'll be able to transport injured Slovak citizens back to their homeland," pointed out Kalinak.
According to the minister, the aircraft isn't new, but there's a very good ratio between its price of 42 million euros (47 million U.S. dollars), and what it can deliver.
The newly bought A319 has a range of around 9,000 km. The aircraft, which was produced in 2005 and put into operation one year later, has spent some 4,400 hours in the air and made 1,300 landings.
Kalinak added that it should undergo an overhaul next year, after which it will be able to fly for another 30 years. Enditem