Air transports for heads of state and government are, in many countries, provided by the air force in specially equipped airliners, business jets, or helicopters. One such aircraft in particular has become part of popular culture: Air Force One, used by the president of the United States and operated by the United States Air Force. Other well-known official aircraft include the Russian presidential aircraft, the British Royal Air Force VIP aircraft, the French Cotam 001, the Royal Canadian Air Force VIP aircraft, the German Konrad Adenauer, the Royal Australian Air Force VIP fleet, the Japanese Air Force One, the South Korean Code One, the Indian Air India One, the Brazilian Air Force One.
History
On 15 July 1910, the then Tsar of Bulgaria Ferdinand I became the first head of state to fly in an aircraft during a visit to Belgium. In 1919, during Paris Peace Conference, senior British politicians including Prime Minister David Lloyd George and Leader of the House of Commons Bonar Law used several Airco DH.4 planes for the cross-Channel trips. Originally designed as bombers, modified planes featured an enclosed compartment for two passengers (cockpit was left open) and a separate luggage compartment. Dubbed Lloyd George's airplane, it was probably one of the first aircraft to be widely used by a political leader. The British monarch became the first head of state or government to receive official and dedicated air transport when two Westland Wapitis were delivered to No. 24 Squadron RAF at RAF Northolt for the express purpose of the transportation of the Royal family in 1928. Between 1929 and 1935, Edward, Prince of Wales, purchased 13 aircraft. Although the RAF maintained at least one of these aircraft for a time, the Prince of Wales eventually became solely responsible for them. When the prince ascended to the throne in 1936 as Edward VIII, The King's Flight was formed as the world's first head of state aircraft unit.
In the United States, prior to World War II overseas and cross-country presidential travel was rare. Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to fly in an aircraft while in office. During World War II, Roosevelt traveled on the Dixie Clipper, a Pan Am-crewed Boeing 314 flying boat, to the 1943 Casablanca Conference in Morocco. The flight covered 5,500 miles in three legs. The first dedicated aircraft proposed for presidential use was a Consolidated C-87 Liberator Express VIP transport aircraft. This aircraft, tail number 41-24159, was re-modified in 1943 for use as a presidential VIP transport, the Guess Where II, intended to carry President Franklin D. Roosevelt on international trips. The Secret Service subsequently reconfigured a Douglas C-54 Skymaster for duty as a presidential transport. This VC-54C aircraft, nicknamed the Sacred Cow, included a sleeping area, radio telephone, and retractable elevator to lift Roosevelt in his wheelchair. As modified, the VC-54C was used by President Roosevelt only once, on his trip to and from the Yalta Conference in February 1945.
Africa
Burundi The government of Burundi previously operated a Gulfstream IV for use by the President.
Cameroon 1n 2004, Cameroon government purchased a Boeing 767 believing it to be new. The aircraft developed multiple technical issues following its first flight, which resulted in the "Albatross scandal" - where multiple high-ranking political leaders were jailed for attempting to kill the president by sabotaging the plane.
Egypt The government of Egypt operates a Boeing B747-8 initially built for Lufthansa in 2015, as of 2022 the plane was undergoing a refit in Germany and Ireland. It also uses two Dassault Aviation Dassault Falcon 7X, one Dassault falcon 8x and one Airbus A340 from 1995 bought by Hosni Mubarak.
Ghana
The government of Ghana operated a Dassault Falcon 900EX, registered as 9G-EXE that is now parked as it has been subjct to extensive corrosion and is no longer safe for the president to fly on .
Kenya The government of Kenya currently operates a Fokker 70 registered KAF308 and officially named "Harambee One". It was purchased in 1995 and used for the first time on 26 January 1996 by President Daniel arap Moi. The Fokker is only used for transportation within Africa or for travel to Europe. The Kenyan President primarily uses Kenya Airways for long haul international travel.
Liberia The government of Liberia mainly uses commercial and corporate jets for travel. The government used to operate a French-registered Dassault Falcon 900EX for travel.
Madagascar The government of Madagascar operated a Boeing 737-300 in 2015.
Mali
The government of Mali operated a Boeing 737-700/BBJ.
Nigeria
The Nigerian Air Force currently maintains an Airbus A330-243, designated NAF-001, registered 5N-FGA as the primary means of transport for the President of Nigeria. The aircraft is known with call sign "Eagle One" when conveying the Nigerian President. In addition, there is a Gulfstream V-SP registered 5N-FGS, a Gulfstream 550 registered 5N-FGW, two Falcon 7X registered 5N-FGV and 5N-FGU, a Dornier 228 and three A139 helicopters.
Senegal
The government of Senegal currently operates a A320neo registered 6V-SEN and officially named "Langue de Barbarie".
Seychelles The government uses commercial or private aircraft for travel. In particular, during a state visit to Mauritius in November 2020, President Wavel Ramkalawan used a Beechcraft 1900D (reg: S7-DES) from IDC Aviation (Islands Development Company).
Sierra Leone
The government uses commercial or private aircraft for travel. They are also known to use VIP aircraft from other countries for travel.
South Africa
In 2015, President Jacob Zuma asked Armscor to procure a business jet with the capability of carrying at least 30 passengers and traveling long range distances and which is much larger than the current presidential jet (Inkwazi). Models being considered included the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A340.
Uganda
The government of Uganda uses a Gulfstream Aerospace G550 (5X-UGF) to transport the President and government officials. The President of Uganda uses a Mil Mi-171 of the Uganda People's Defence Force for internal flights. The helicopter was delivered in early 2016 after the government had budgeted 11.3billion Ugandan Shillings for the new helicopter. It is equipped with a cloak room, snack bar, bathroom and luggage compartment and seats up to 12 passengers.
Zambia The Zambian Air Force bought a Gulfstream G650 (AF001) for the president and government officials. This deal caused a scandal within the country. The first Zambian president, Kenneth Kaunda, used a Douglas DC-8 of the now liquidated Zambia Airways among other national carriers. A Challenger CL604 (reg: 9J-ONE) was also acquired and eventually sold. In 2019, a Sukhoi Superjet 100 in a business jet configuration was ordered but was later cancelled.
Asia
Armenia
The Armenian Government operates an Airbus A319CJ (Reg: 701) for VIP use. A Tupolev Tu-134(Reg: EK-65975) was previously used.
Azerbaijan The President of Azerbaijan currently has several aircraft dedicated for travel. These include an Airbus A319 nicknamed "Baku", an Airbus A320 Prestige, a Boeing 767-300ER nicknamed "Baku-1", a leased Airbus A340-600 nicknamed "Baku-8".
Bangladesh
For long-distance flights or flights with an especially large entourage, a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft is usually used; for medium to short-distance flights a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is typically used.
Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia operated a Chinese-registered Airbus A320 in 2015 which flies under the callsign KOC01.
China
Air transportation for the CCP general secretary, president, premier or other government officials of China is managed and operated by the 34th division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Six Boeing 737-300s, two 737-700s, and four 737-800s, as well as three Airbus A319s and ten Bombardier Challenger 800 are used for these missions. A Boeing 747-8I with Air China branding and registration B-2479 was converted and tested for exclusive use as head of state transport around 2016–2017. Although no official photos have been released, it is speculated that the interior is fitted with conference tables, private bedrooms, office suites, and more. A commercial Air China Boeing 747-4J6 has in the past been converted for international travel when necessary. The three 747-400 used for this purpose have the following registrations: B-2445, B-2447, B-2472. At least one of them was specially retrofitted during official use and returned to commercial service afterwards; however, since 2020, all 747-400s have officially been retired from government use and have since been converted to a permanent commercial airline configuration. A secondhand Boeing 767-300ER was purchased by the Chinese government for use by the then Chinese leader and CCP general secretary Jiang Zemin in 2000. An international incident occurred in 2001 when the government claimed it had discovered 27 bugs embedded in the aircraft's interior.
Georgia Georgian Airways operated a single Bombardier Challenger 850 since 2007 to carry the President of Georgia and government officials. In 2011, a Gulfstream 450 was added to its inventory, possibly replacing the Challenger in its VIP transport role.
India
India One (AIC001) is the callsign of any aircraft with the President, Vice President or the Prime Minister of India on board. For international travel, two dedicated Indian Air Force Boeing 777-300ERs with registrations K7066 and K7067 which arrived in October 2020 are used. The aircraft are equipped with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids. The jets are also equipped with an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield, and electronic countermeasures to provide protection from any ground-based or airborne threat. The aircraft are also equipped with flares and glares to mislead any missile. For domestic and short distance international travel, three Boeing 737 BBJ aircraft are used. The three Boeing 737-200 also used by the President, the Vice President or the Prime Minister were inducted in 2008. These aircraft have a range of 3,000 to 4,000 nautical miles (5,600 to 7,400 km) and are fitted with encrypted satellite communication facilities and advanced navigation aids. The jets are also equipped with an advanced missile warning system, a missile deflecting shield and electronic counter measures so as to provide protection from any ground-based or airborne threats. Other aircraft used by other government officials are four 14-seater Embraer 135s.
Indonesia
As Indonesia is a sprawling archipelagic nation, the president of Indonesia frequently needs VIP air transportation for visiting Indonesian provinces, attending international summits and meetings, and traveling on official foreign visits. In April 2014, Indonesia acquired Indonesia One, an aircraft dedicated to transportation of the president and the vice president and their entourage. When Indonesia One was delivered in 2014, the government claimed the cost of operating its own aircraft would be lower than chartering Garuda aircraft. The aircraft is the Boeing Business Jet variant of the 737-800. The aircraft was designed to meet the minimum safety and security requirements of Indonesia's VIP air transportation, and includes a modest self-defense system. In 2020, the Indonesian government chartered a Boeing 777-300ER, registration PK-GIG, from Garuda Indonesia for special use as a presidential aircraft on long-haul flights; the aircraft is painted in a special livery.
Iran The president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and others died on 19 May 2024, when an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 helicopter crashed near the village of Uzi, East Azerbaijan, Iran. Former presidents Abolhassan Banisadr (served 1980–1981) and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (served 2005–2013) were both involved in helicopter crashes during their terms in office, but each survived.
Japan
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force operates two Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for use by the Prime Minister, the Emperor, Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family. Until March 2019, two Boeing 747-400 aircraft were used. The aircraft were constructed at the Boeing factory at the same time as the United States Air Force One VC-25s, though the US aircraft were built to the 747-200 design, while the Japanese aircraft were built to the more contemporary 747-400 design. Both Japanese aircraft were delivered in 1990.
Kyrgyzstan
The government of Kyrgyzstan operated a single Tupolev Tu-154M in 2010, which usually flies under four-digit callsigns "KGC" and "LYN".
Malaysia
Malaysia's Prime Minister and Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Ruling Monarch) travel aboard aircraft operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. For this purpose, an Airbus ACJ319 named Perdana 1 was purchased in 2007, and an Airbus ACJ320 named Perdana 2 in 2015. Other fixed wing aircraft in use include a Dassault Falcon 900, a Bombardier Global Express BD-700, and a Boeing 737-800 BBJ. For long trips, the Malaysian PM also flies on a special chartered Malaysia Airlines Airbus A350-900 in 'Negaraku livery'.
Maldives The government uses commercial aircraft for travel. In addition, the President has been known to use aircraft from the Saudi Government for religious trips.
Nepal The present President of Nepal, Prime Minister of Nepal, and other senior government officials travel on regular scheduled commercial flights or chartered flights by either Nepal Airlines or Himalaya Airlines. There is no plane used specifically for VIP operations.
North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un travels overseas on one of two VIP configured Ilyushin Il-62M aircraft of the Korean People's Army Air Force operated by Air Koryo crew, known as Chammae-1. Kim Jong-un's private aircraft is known as Goshawk-1.
Pakistan
The history of VIP transport in Pakistan dates back to August 1947, when an ex-British Imperial Air Force Vickers VC.1 Viking was acquired to serve as the official transport aircraft for the Governor-General of Pakistan. This aircraft is considered as the first to use the call sign reserved for an aircraft flying Pakistan's head of state or head of government, 'PAKISTAN ONE'. Governor-Generals Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Khawaja Nazimuddin used the aircraft until 1955, when it was retired. It remained parked at Karachi's Mauripur Airbase and then at a Pakistan Air Force Base in Peshawar. In 1997, the aircraft was disassembled and transported to Karachi and put up for display at the Pakistan Air Force Museum. In the 1960s and 70s, Presidents Muhammad Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan and Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto used Boeing 707 jetliners of the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. In the 1980s, President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq used a Lockheed C-130B Hercules. In the 90s, Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto used a Boeing 737 for their official trips which was maintained by the Pakistani Government. During the late 1990s, Sharif's government bought a Boeing 737-300 for official use. Initially its role was rotated between serving as a regular commercial aircraft for Pakistan International Airlines and as a VIP transport for the government. However, following a military coup in 1999 the aircraft was permanently transferred to Pakistan International Airlines. The President and Prime Minister then resorted to using two of the airline's Airbus A310s for official visits, while rare trips were done on regular commercial flights of the airline. In 2007 the Qatari government gifted an Airbus A310-300 of the Qatar Amiri Flight to Pakistan, which was operated for the Pakistan Air Force by Pakistan International Airlines. Since 2025 one Airbus A319 (A-1102), two Gulfstream IV (J-755, J756) and four AW 139 helicopters are used by the President and Prime Minister for air travel. The No. 12 VIP Squadron, of the Pakistan Air Force, is the operator and transports the President and the Prime Minister with the call sign of PAKISTAN ONE.
Philippines
In 2024 the fleet included: seven Bell 412 helicopters. In October 2019, the government purchased an Airbus C-295 delivered in April 2019 and a Gulfstream G280 which cost 2 Billion pesos delivered in September 2020 for use by the President and other senior officials respectively. A Hawker 800XP business jet was donated by San Miguel Corporation in May 2022. For trips outside of the Philippines, the President uses a Learjet 60, Challenger 850 Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G650ER or charters appropriate aircraft from Philippine Airlines.
Former presidential aircraft Toward the end of the Marcos administration, the squadron of presidential aircraft consisted of airliners such as one Boeing 707, one BAC One-Eleven, one NAMC YS-11, and one Fokker F28 Fellowship, along with helicopters such as one Sikorsky S-62A, two Bell UH-1N, one Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma, and two Sikorsky S-70AS. President Corazon Aquino used some of these aircraft and sold others as an austerity measure. Subsequent administrations used one Fokker F28, which was primarily used for the president's domestic trips and was also called Kalayaan (Filipino for "Freedom") One when the president was on board, and one Fokker F27 aircraft, which was subsequently retired by the Duterte administration as they acquired new aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Singapore
The President, Prime Minister of Singapore and government officials typically travel on regular scheduled commercial or charter flights, mostly operated by Singapore's flag carrier, Singapore Airlines, Scoot or other commercial airlines depending on the location. However, at the APEC Philippines 2015 summit, the then Prime Minister travelled on an Australian-registered Gulfstream G550, VH-PFL, operated by Pacific Flight Services which is a subsidiary of ST Engineering. During the APEC South Korea 2025 summit, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong travelled on a Republic of Singapore Air Force Airbus A330 MRTT, registration 762, operating under the callsign SAF10, departing Singapore Changi Air Base (East) and landing at Gimhae Air Base in Busan.
South Korea
Since January 2022, a Boeing 747-8I leased from Korean Air to the Republic of Korea Air Force conducts official international travels by the President of South Korea. Known by the call sign "Code One" (KAF001), the aircraft is based in Seoul Air Base and operational support is provided by Korean Air. From April 2010 to January 2022, a dedicated Boeing 747-400 leased from Korean Air served in this role. Originally even pilots and flight attendants were from Korean Air, though they were planned to be replaced by Air Force personnel.
Taiwan
Air transportation for the president or other high-ranking officials of the Republic of China is operated by the Republic of China Air Force using a customized Boeing 737-800 delivered from Boeing in 2001 called the Air Force 3701.
Tajikistan In 2023, Tajikistan acquired a Boeing 787-8 BBJ from the Mexican government for $92 million US Dollars. It is operated by Tajik carrier Somon Air under registration number EY-001 for use by the President of Tajikistan.
Turkmenistan To transport the President and top officials of the state, Turkmenistan Airlines uses one Boeing 777-200LR of a special configuration (reg: EZ-A777), two Boeing 737-700 (reg: EZ-A007 and EZ-A700), one Bombardier CRJ700 Challenger 870 (reg: EZ-B024) and two Bombardier Challenger 605 (reg: EZ-B022 and EZ-B023).
Vietnam Vietnam has no dedicated airframe that is configured and used exclusively for VIP transport. Instead, the state uses general-purpose aircraft owned and commissioned by state-owned operators and armed forces' units for such special missions. It was designated that the General Secretary of the Communist Party, the President, Prime Minister, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Permanent Member of the Party's Secretariat (collectively known as the four pillars in Vietnam) as well as equivalent representatives of other nations are objects to be served by such so-called "dignitary flights."
A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (most commonly the one registered VN-A868) or sometimes any Airbus A350-900 XWB chartered from Vietnam Airlines is often used for international and long haul flights. For domestic and short haul flights, an Airbus A321 can be chartered from the same carrier. The callsign Viet Nam One (VN1/HVN1) is often used when the flight is chartered by the government, especially to transport key people of the Vietnamese state, meanwhile other "lucky numbers" such as VN68 or VN88 are also utilized when VN1 have been preserved for any ongoing missions. None of those Vietnam Airlines airframes are configured specifically for VIP or Head of State transport missions, instead, they are all operating commercial services on daily basis and state leaders use the "casual" business class and are served with standard civilian crews employed by Vietnam Airlines on such VIP flights. Helicopters of the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation and/or the Vietnam People's Air Force can also be used for VIP transport missions.
Europe
Albania According to the agreement published in the Turkish Official Gazette, the TC-ANA aircraft, registered as TC-GVC with serial number 1002 and manufactured in February 2000 was donated to Albania in 2024. The Airbus A319 aircraft, acquired from the Italian Air Force in 2005, was leased to the Albanian state in early 2020 for about four and a half years, and then gifted.
Belarus
Belarusian flag carrier Belavia operates a Boeing 767-300ER(EW-001PB), a Boeing 737-800 BBJ(EW-001PA), a Bombardier Challenger 850(EW-301PJ) and a Gulfstream Aerospace G550 (EW-001PJ) on behalf of the government for use of the President and Prime Minister.
Belgium
For the transport of the Belgian royal family and the members of the Government, Belgium uses two dry-leased Dassault Falcon 7X (OO-FAE & OO-LUM) operated by the 15th Air Transport Wing of the Belgian Armed Forces.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina's Council of Ministers operate a Cessna Citation I (E7-SBA), a Cessna CitationJet (E7-SMS) and a Cessna Citation CJ4 (E7-GPS). These are mainly used for domestic and European flights.
Croatia
The Croatian government operates a variety of aircraft for official transport. Flights carrying the prime minister, president, and parliament speaker typically carry the call sign "9ACRO". Since 1997, the government has used a low-visibility greyed-out Bombardier Challenger CL604 specially outfitted by the Croatian Air Force. The Directorate for the Use of Official Aircraft is the service agency that operates these aircraft.
Cyprus The government of Cyprus uses an Embraer ERJ-135BJ for travel, which was gifted by the Greek government in 2022.
Denmark
The Royal Danish Air Force operates four Bombardier Challenger 604s for VIP transport, primarily that of the government and the Danish Royal Family. These aircraft are also used for environmental control and fishery control around Greenland and the North Sea.
Finland
The president and cabinet ministers usually travel on commercial flights for international travel. The Finnish Air Force operates three Learjet 35 aircraft with limited transport capability for use by senior government and military officials, and other aircraft from the Finnish Air Force can also be used. Helicopters of the Finnish Army or Coast Guard are used to provide transport to senior officials on some domestic trips. Juha Sipilä, the prime minister between 2015 and 2019 was an avid aviator, who also made official trips with aircraft that he has personally flown and paid for, such as a Cessna CitationJet/M2 525 and a Scanwings Cessna 525 (OH-SWI). The longest trip was to Ulaanbaatar in 2016.
France
French officials use the aircraft of the Escadron de transport 3/60 Esterel, which operates three Airbus A310-304 and two Airbus A340-200s.
Germany
The fleet used by Germany's senior government officials consists of 17 aircraft:
Until 2011 Germany's government officials used two Airbus A310-304 VIP carrying the same names, previously of East Germany's Interflug. They used two Airbus A340-313X VIP aircraft until 2023, previously of Germany's Lufthansa, redesigned by Lufthansa Technik in a VIP configuration, including sleeping rooms and an anti-missile system. The aircraft are named after Konrad Adenauer, the first chancellor of (West) Germany, and Theodor Heuss, its first President. In April 2019, the German Air Force ordered three Airbus A350-900 as their new government planes and as a replacement for the aging A340s. In Summer 2019, the Luftwaffe also ordered three Bombardier Global 6000 as an addition to the existing fleet. In 2022, the fleet was expanded by two A321LRs, which are used for both troop transport and government flight operations.
Greece
The 352 VIP Transport Squadron is part of the 112 Combat Wing (Hellenic Air Force Support Command). Based at Elefsina Air Force Base it air transport services for senior government officials and high-ranking military officers. The Squadron operates a Gulfstream V, which was bought by the government of Costas Simitis for the needs of Greece's 2003 EU presidency and the preparations of the 2004 Olympic Games. It also operates an Embraer ERJ-135LR with a 32-eat configuration. For long haul flights the Prime Minister and other officials used one of the Airbus A340-300s of the government-owned Olympic Airlines when they were still in service. The A340 aircraft were used for the official visit of the Greek Prime Minister to Australia in 2007.
Two other aircraft used over the last two decades for the same purpose raised controversy. A Dassault Falcon 900 (OA Flight 3838) had a range of technical problems culminating in an accident that killed the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannos Kranidiotis and six other people due to severe in-flight pitch oscillations 20 minutes before landing at Bucharest on 9 September 1999. Under executive order 2954/28-8-12, the Greek government bestowed the 30-seat Embraer to the Hellenic Air Force to be used for pilot training, patient airlift and organ transplant transportation. In 2021 the Hellenic Air Force incorporated a lightly used Falcon 7X into its fleet VIP transport fleet, donated by Dassault free of charge in order to fulfill a long-standing offset obligation dating back to 2000 when the Hellenic Air Force had acquired Mirage 2000-5s. The aircraft has 12-seat configuration.
In September 2022 the ERJ-135BJ was transferred to the Republic of Cyprus. Alternatively, the 358 Search and Rescue Squadron of the 112 Combat Wing operates B-212 helicopters, which can also be used for VIP transport for locations with no airport. They were acquired in 1976.
Hungary The Hungarian government uses two Dassault Falcon 7X and two Airbus A319 airliners, which are operated by the Hungarian Air Force and fly under its callsigns (HUAF).
Ireland
The Irish Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) is part of the Irish Air Corps, it provides secure transport to the President of Ireland, the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and members of the government and their staff, both within and outside Ireland. A Dassault Falcon 6X is currently used by The Irish Ministerial Air Transport Service. The Air Corps AW139 helicopters are also used as government transport.
Italy
The Italian Air Force operates three Airbus A319-115 ACJs (Italian Air Force designation: VC-319A), three Dassault Falcon 900s (VC-900) and two Dassault Falcon 50s (VC-50) for government transport. From April 2025, the Falcons are being replaced by five Gulfstream G650ERs (VC-650A). Two AgustaWestland AW139s (VH-139A) are operated for use by the President and senior government officials, and are also used by the Pope. An Airbus A340-541 was previously utilized for longer-distance trips and phased out in 2018. All aircraft and helicopters are operated by the 31st Wing based in Ciampino Air Base, Rome.
Lithuania
During 1994-1998 the Lithuanian government used a Lithuanian Airlines-operated Lockheed Jet Star as a government transportation. The aircraft was registered LY-AMB, with three last letters coinciding with the initials of then president Algirdas Mykolas Brazauskas. Notorious for multiple technical issues and deemed too small for larger delegations it was sold in 1998. Since late 1990's the president and the government of Lithuania use one of the three Alenia C-27J Spartans of the Lithuanian Air Force in a passenger configuration.
Luxembourg
A private Cessna 550 Citation II, a Learjet 35A or even a 737-700 chartered from the flag carrier Luxair are sometimes used for governmental flights. Other than that, commercial aircraft is used, for example, former Prime Minister Xavier Bettel used a Vietnam Airlines plane to travel to Vietnam for a working visit.
Malta The government uses a Learjet 60 for travel.
Moldova In the 1990s, the Moldovan government operated a single Tupolev TU-134 for use by the government. In the 2000s, it was retired, and the Moldovan government leased an Air Moldova Yakovlev Yak-40 for VIP use. That was retired too, and the most recent aircraft used by the President or Prime Minister is an Air Moldova Airbus A320 family jet, which uses an Air Moldova callsign. President Maia Sandu was spotted taking low-cost carrier Wizz Air on a flight to Brussels.
Netherlands
The government of the Netherlands operates as Dutch government aircraft a Boeing 737 BBJ as a means of transport for the Dutch Royal family and government officials such as the prime minister and other ministers. It is used not only to attend international conferences but also for private trips by King Willem-Alexander (who is a licensed commercial pilot type rated to fly the 737) and Queen Maxima. This aircraft, registered PH-GOV (GOVernment), was introduced in 2019 at a cost of 89m euros. A Fokker 70 registered PH-KBX (Koningin Beatrix) had been operated, but was retired in May 2017 in line with the withdrawal of the Fokker 70 from the fleet of KLM Cityhopper which had maintained the aircraft.
Poland
The Polish Air Force operates a dedicated fleet of five jet aircraft intended for use by the highest-ranking Polish government officials ("najważniejsze osoby w państwie"), including the president, the prime minister, the Marshal of the Sejm, and the Marshal of the Senate. The aircraft are operated and maintained by the Polish Air Force 1st Airlift Air Base. As of 2025, the government fleet includes two Boeing BBJ2 in custom configuration for 65 passengers, featuring a VIP suite with separate work and rest areas, a business class section, an economy class section, a small medical suite with lifesaving equipment, secure communication systems as well as anti-missile defense systems; one reconfigured Boeing 737-800NG with 132 seats that can be also used by the military and for casualty evacuation; and two Gulfstream G550 in VIP configuration, each capable of carrying 16 passengers. The 1st Airlift Air Base also operates multiple PZL W-3A Sokół and Mil Mi-8 helicopters.
Russia
Serbia The Government Aviation Service (Avio-služba Vlade) is responsible for long-distance air travel of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister. It operates a three-plane fleet, consisting of Dassault Falcon 6X, Embraer Legacy 600, and Learjet 31. The Police Helicopter Unit (Helikopterska jedinica) is responsible for short-distance air travel of the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Internal Affairs, for which purpose it uses two helicopters: an Airbus H215 and a Sikorsky S-76.
Spain
The Spanish Air and Space Force operates two customized Airbus A310s and five Falcon 900s, it also operates four AS332 Super Puma and two AS532UL Cougar for transportation of the King, his family, the Prime Minister and high-ranking government officials. These transportation services are provided by the 45th Group of the Air Force, based in Torrejón Air Base, 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Madrid and 402 Squadron of the 48th Wing, located at Cuatro Vientos Air Base respectively. On 21 October 2025, the Council of Ministers approved a €240 million program to acquire six Airbus Helicopters H175 to replace the Cougars and Super Pumas of the 48th Wing.
Sweden
The Swedish Air Force Transport Squadron Bromma (Stockholm), based on Stockholm-Bromma Airport in Stockholm Municipality, operates the State Flight (Swedish: Statsflyget). It forms part of the Transport and Special Flying Unit (TSFE, Swedish: Transport och Specialflygenheten), which in its turn is a part of the Skaraborg Wing (F 7). Currently it operates two Gulfstream IV aircraft and one Gulfstream G550 in the VIP transport role, which are to be replaced by two Bombardier Global 6500 by the end of 2025. The use of the State Flight is regulated in the State Flight Ordinance (Swedish: Statsflygsförordningen) issued by the Government of Sweden.
Switzerland
The Lufttransportdienst des Bundes (LTDB) (English: Federal Air Transport Service), a unit of the Swiss Air Force located at Bern Airport, operates a fleet of VIP transport aircraft:
one Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy II (T-785) one Bombardier Global 7500 (T-787) two Bombardier Challenger 604 (T-751, T-752), for transport and medical evacuation one Beechcraft Model 350C Super King Air (T-721), non VIP transport, located at the Dübendorf Air Base These aircraft are mainly used by members of the Swiss Federal Council. Travel arrangements are coordinated by the Government Travel Centre in the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. A Swiss-built PC-24 of Pilatus Aircraft was used between 2019 and 2022. The Beechcraft 1900D was replaced in 2020 by two Canadair CL-604 previously operated by Rega. A Cessna 560XL Citation Excel (T-784) has been replaced in 2025 by a Bombardier Global 7500.
Ukraine
Prior to the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the President of Ukraine, along with high-ranking Ukrainian government officials had use of four aircraft: a 2007 Airbus ACJ319-100 (registered UR-ABA), a 2011 Antonov An-148-100V (UR-UKR), a 2001 Antonov An-74TK-300D (UR-AWB), and a 2001 Mil Mi-8MTV-1 (UR-PAB), operated by Ukraine Air Enterprise (DAP), under the state-owned State Management of Affairs. The An-148 and the Mil Mi-8, were transferred to Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in 2021 while the An-74 may have been lost at the Battle of Antonov Airport as DAP currently only lists UR-ABA as its sole asset. Following the outbreak of the invasion, UR-ABA was taken to a Dutch Air Force Base for safekeeping, then underwent an interior and avionics refit in 2022-2023 by J&C Aero and Magnetic MRO to upgrade the communications and cabin management systems for greater security. UR-ABA has since been based out of a secure facility at Kraków International Airport (KRK) in Poland, from where she has logged countless miles flying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Berlin, Brasília, Brussels, Oslo, Paris, Washington, D.C., and other world capitals in his efforts to increase international support for Ukraine's defence against Russian invasion. Painted with a Ukrainian blue and yellow cheatline over a white and gray exterior, UR-ABA is a corporate jet (CJ) variant of the popular A320 family, outfitted in a VIP configuration for 19 passengers with auxiliary fuel tanks increasing her range to 6,100 nautical miles (11,100 km; 6,900 mi), and includes a built-in airstairs to eliminate the need for special passenger ground-handling equipment. While UR-ABA was undergoing refit, various NATO-members states provided military transportation to President Zelenskyy in order for him to make international visits to plead his case. Ukraine's own plane, UR-ABA, returned to service in September 2023.
United Kingdom
The British Government and Royal Family have use of an Airbus A330 Voyager, two Dassault 900LX and an Airbus A321LR for official travel. The King's Helicopter Flight also provides two AgustaWestland AW139. The A330 is the single VIP variant of the A330 MRTT operated by the Royal Air Force and AirTanker for air refueling and military transport. The Voyager was reconfigured to include a secure satellite communications system, missile detection, conference facilities, 58 business class seats and 100 economy seats but retains its primary role for the Royal Air Force. Until December 2024, No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron of the RAF maintained an Agusta A109SP helicopter for use principally by the British Armed Forces. Until March 2022, the squadron operated four BAe 146s, which have been replaced by two Dassault 900LX aircraft. The A321 is owned and operated by Titan Airways on behalf of the UK Government.
Vatican City / Holy See
Because the Holy See does not operate a sovereign airline or airport, papal travel relies entirely on chartered flights. Traditionally, the Italian flag carrier (historically Alitalia, and currently ITA Airways) transports the Pope from Rome to his destination. For the return journey to Rome, the Vatican typically charters an aircraft from the flag carrier or a major airline of the host nation.
The call sign of a papal flight within Italy is volo papale ("papal flight" in Italian) followed by the number of flights the current pope has made to that point. Pope John Paul II made 104 papal flights, so his call sign would have been Volo Papale 104. The Polish Air Force provided Pope John Paul II with a Mil Mi-8 helicopter configured as VIP transport, for his visits to Poland. The aircraft is now on display at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków. Papal flights within the United States or chartered on a U.S. airline may be given the callsign "Shepherd One" by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Shepherd One callsign was also used by the Philippine Airlines Airbus A340-300 of Pope Francis when he departed from the Philippines.
Middle East and North Africa
Egypt
The government of Egypt operated an Airbus A340-200 along with a number of business jets including the Gulfstream IV and Dassault Falcon 20s in 2015. The first presidential aircraft in Egypt was a gift from Saudi Arabia to President Anwar Sadat. Before that, President Gamal Abdel Nasser, traveled using a rented aircraft from Egyptair. On 10 September 2021, it was announced that the Egyptian government had acquired a Boeing 747-8I, registered SU-EGY for use as a VIP transport aircraft. The 747, which had originally been ordered by Lufthansa as D-ABYE, had not been accepted by the airline and spent a number of years in the Mojave Desert as N828BA. In addition to Egyptian Air Force aircraft, a number of aircraft are directly under government control to transfer the president of Egypt, presidential logistics, the prime minister and members of the government, including:
Any aircraft carrying the president, mostly the A340, flies under the callsign "EGY1".
Iran
The former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Airbus A340-313 was reportedly destroyed during the 2026 Iran war, as stated by the Israeli military. As of 2026, Iranian government officials have been seen using a government-branded Dassault Falcon 900EX, as well as a VIP-modified Avro RJ for official travels. In addition, there have been instances of Civilian aircraft owned by Meraj Airlines being chartered for state travels.
Israel
Since 1948, senior officials of the Israel government, including the President and the Prime Minister, have either travelled on military aircraft supplied by the Israeli government or on commercially-chartered aircraft. In the early years of Israel's existence, prime minister David Ben-Gurion travelled using military aircraft belonging to the Israeli Air Force (IAF), such as the Douglas DC-3. However, in the 1960s, the IAF chose to use a specially-adapted Boeing 377 Stratocruiser, for ministerial travel abroad. From the 1970s