Tony Blair orders two government jets
{{date|June 20, 2006}}

UK Prime Minister [[w:Tony Blair|Tony Blair]] is set to give the go-ahead for an order of two government jets. One jet is likely to contain 70 seats, whilst the other will be smaller with around 15 seats. Previously the Prime Minister has chartered aircraft or used a royal plane. Both planes would be second hand and not bought outright but leased on a long-term contract.

Government departments, as well as the royal family, who will have first priority, will be able to use the jets, but will have to pay for the full cost of travel. 

The story was first reported by BBC correspondent James Hardy, and comes out of a study into ministerial travel costs.

The nicknames 'Blair Force One' and 'Blair Force Two' have already begun to stick. American presidents have traditionally used a special jet called '[[w:Air Force One|Air Force One]]'.

==Sources==

*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5098126.stm
|title=PM to get two 'Blair Force Ones'
|author=|pub=BBC News Online|date=June 20, 2006}}
*{{source|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2978756.stm
|title='Blair Force One' plans get boost
|author=|pub=BBC News Online|date=June 11, 2006}}

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[[Category: Politics and conflicts]]
[[Category: United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Tony Blair]]
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is set to give the go-ahead for an order of two government jets. One jet is likely to contain 70 seats, whilst the other will be smaller with around 15 seats. Previously the Prime Minister has chartered aircraft or used a royal plane. Both planes would be second hand and not bought outright but leased on a long-term contract.

Government departments, as well as the royal family, who will have first priority, will be able to use the jets, but will have to pay for the full cost of travel. 

The story was first reported by BBC correspondent James Hardy, and comes out of a study into ministerial travel costs.

The nicknames 'Blair Force One' and 'Blair Force Two' have already begun to stick. American presidents have traditionally used a special jet called 'Air Force One'.
 Politics and conflicts  United Kingdom Tony Blair