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Ukraine To Buy Top Of The Line Business Jet

The State Air Enterprise Ukraine has developed an initiative to buy a private business jet for use by top govt. officials.

The group will choose between either an Airbus 319C, or an American Boeing Business Jet.

 They have the requirements that the jet must be able to seat 50 passengers, have a flight range of 9000 km and must comply with European and International control regulations. They are accepting offers until May 15.

The plane is likely to cost between 40-50 million US dollars. The new Boeing plane begins at 40 million, although optional refurbishments can bring the cost up substantially. The Airbus plane is comparatively priced.

Airbus was recently chosen as the plane of choice for the government’s of Brazil France, Italy, Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic.

The government had earlier planned to purchase two airplanes, but it became apparent that funds earmarked for the project were not sufficient for two planes. It is possible that the govt. will decide to buy a second more inexpensive used plane, and reserve the new business jet for larger trips, for example to the US.

The country now has a Ukrainian business jet, but it is not popular amongst the country’s top officials and is more commonly used by govt. officials.

The number of available and trained crews in the Ukraine would indicate that Boeing has an advantage. Airbus trained crews are in much shorter supply within the country. The president’s wife has an American citizenship, and it said that she is active in the selection process, while others have argues that the European nation has an obligation to support a European company.

The major Ukrainian air carrier is set to face the same dilemma as it begins a selection process for its new fleet. Early indications have the corporation selecting the European Airbus over Boeing.