New MATS jet

[Silver]

The new Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) jet, the Learjet 45, featured on both TV3 and RTE News this evening.
The report was 2-3 mins long and showed film of both the inside (c/w tan leather seating) and outside of the 8-seater jet.

It was shown parked alongside the current MATS jet, the Gulfstream IV, outside the 101 Sqdn/MATS hangar in Casement Aerodrome.

[Silver]

I agree n-e-foo, that's part of the reason a twin-engined prop aircraft should have replaced the King Air - the second reason being to allow twin rating on it rather using the CASA's for additional training duties.

But Bertie & Co. don't care about training etc. once they are comfortable in their new jet  

Silver,

what will happen to the Gulfstream IV  ??

Guinness

[P.Doff]

As I said in on the general topic board the Lear is U/S already, bet Bombardier are treading on pins at the mo!
It was nothing major but still, it shouldnt break straight out of the box like that.

[Silver]

It will be retained and remain as the primary Presidential/Govt jet.

The Learjet was (supposedly !) purchased to replace the King Air in the MATS role.

[n-e-foo]

Because its replacing the KingAir - is this Lear jet suitable for short hops around the country? given that that was one of reasons behind the fact that the GIV supposedly wasnt/isnt in the best shape?