Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
192. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the flights flown by the Air Corps Learjet 45 in April 2023; the downtime or maintenance periods, if any, arising from such flights or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22468/23]
View answerThe Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is delivered primarily by the use of the Learjet 45 aircraft, which came into operation in 2004. Where it is unavailable, the CASA and/or other Air Corps aircraft may be used.
The Learjet is currently approaching its natural end of life. Based on current serviceability issues, discontinuation of manufacturer support and limited part availability for this type of older aircraft, the Air Corps estimate that the aircraft will require replacement by 2024 , and planning is underway in my Department in this regard.
The Learjet was on scheduled maintenance from the 19th of December 2022 in the UK. This was a planned event to cover required maintenance events but it was extended due to delays in acquiring required parts. On that basis, the Learjet did not conduct any flights in April 2023.
