Vol. 566 No. 5
19 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date with regard to the Government's plans to acquire new aircraft for the Ministerial Air Transport Service; the number of responses received to the invitation to tender; the estimate of the likely costs; when it is expected that the new aircraft will be in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13070/03]
The Government decided to replace the Gulfstream IV and the Beechcraft King Air in the ministerial air transport role. The decision was necessary to meet the ever increasing demands of Government business, not least in the context of a significantly enlarged European Union. The tender competitions for the acquisition of the aircraft are now in train. The closing date for the receipt of tenders for both competitions is 30 May 2003.
The tender competitions allow for the submission of both new and pre-owned aircraft. All options such as outright purchase, lease, lease purchase, or other alternatives will be considered. The highly competitive nature of the aviation market at present should result in competitive packages being offered.
In tandem with proposals for the supply of the aircraft, tenderers may also outline offers for the Gulfstream IV aircraft as at the proposed date of hand-over of the tendered aircraft or in mid-July 2004, following the EU Presidency. Offers for the Beechcraft King Air will also be considered in tandem with proposals for its replacement.
