Brazil is advancing plans to acquire additional aircraft for ministerial travel, a decision prompted by the government's recent confirmation that it is seeking a replacement for the presidential jet following an incident on October 1. President Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva’s administration aims to bolster the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB) VIP transport fleet to ensure reliable transport for ministers across the country while also addressing the need for a new, upgraded presidential jet.
In an interview with Fortaleza’s O Povo/CBN radio, Lula discussed the recent jet issue, which underscored the necessity for a more robust and extensive fleet. “We can’t afford to be caught off guard,” he said. “We’re going to buy not just one plane, but several, so that Brazil can be prepared.” He tasked Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro with drafting a proposal for acquiring a new presidential aircraft as well as additional planes for ministerial use. “We’ll never govern Brazil with ministers just sitting around in Brasília,” he emphasised.
According to the digital newspaper Poder360, the Ministry of Defence has already reached out to Airbus regarding a potential acquisition. However, the European aircraft manufacturer indicated that a new jet would take approximately two years to be delivered, with an expected timeline of 2027 or later. Consequently, Lula’s only viable option to secure a new aircraft within his current term would be to purchase a second-hand model that could be adapted to meet presidential requirements. While the ministry has evaluated options in the Middle East, Lula reportedly prefers a new-build aircraft.
The president has outlined specific features he wants in the new jet, including extended range to avoid refuelling stops, a conference room, high-speed internet - a key point of contention with the current aircraft - in-flight refuelling capability, and a private bedroom. Details regarding the specifications of the additional ministerial aircraft have yet to be confirmed.
The Brazilian Air Force currently operates a corporate fleet of seven aircraft, which includes the presidential ACJ319-100, popularly known as ‘AeroLula’ after Lula acquired it in 2005 for USD56.7 million, four Legacy 600s, and two Lineage 1000s, which are used for government travel but are not designated as presidential aircraft.
Additionally, Brazil utilises or has utilised other aircraft for ministerial or presidential travel that are not formally classified as presidential aircraft, including four EMB-135LRs, seven EMB-145ERs, and one EMB-145LR. Two A330-200s, acquired by former president Jair Bolsonaro and initially intended to be converted into Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) variants, have also been used for official trips. Upon beginning his current term in 2023, Lula initially requested a new presidential jet, and the Ministry of Defence considered an ACJ330-200 for USD70-80 million, although the idea was eventually shelved due to high costs.
