Copyright: Simon_sees [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
When Israeli prime ministers travel abroad, they do so on chartered aircraft or commercial flights. Recently, however, the unique security concerns for high-level Israeli officials and the newly found prosperity of the country have combined to give Israel its first-ever, second-hand version of the American Air Force One. The aircraft in question is a Bowing 767 passenger jet recently purchased by Israel from Australian Qantas Airlines via several intermediaries. The last time the aircraft has appeared on the radar screen of aviation reporters was in 2016 when it landed in Israel on a flight from Ohio, USA and it is assumed that it has been modifications and refitting in the “Bedek” plant of the Israeli Aircraft Industries ever since. It can be assumed that the airplane will be fitted with the latest in communications and security technology as well as 116 seats, including several in business class. Original configuration was 221 economy class seats and 30 seats in business class. The airplane is expected to be operational in the second half of 2019, in time to serve the new Israeli government that will be seated after the April 2009 elections.
