A report in today's Irish Independent reveals that the Government Gulfstream IV is to undergo a major interior refit because funding for a replacement aircraft is not forthcoming. The 17 year old aircraft reportedly has 11,250 flying hours on the frame and is averaging 660 hours per annum whereas aircraft of this age and type average just 370 hours worldwide. Documents seen by the newspaper suggest that the aircraft has undergone unrelenting wear and tear with an interior that debunks the myth of luxurious ministerial travel.
In it's lifetime, IRL 251 has undergone just one full repaint and cosmetic repairs against a norm of interior replacement every five to seven years. Subsequent concerns were raised that the aircraft might not pass certification until the interior was tackled and Gulfstream Aerospace expressed concerns that an interior of this age might not be suitable for refit once removed from the aircraft.
The anticipated maintenance bill for the aircraft over the period 2008/9 comes to €5m. Prior to starting the process of refurbishing the interior, Airbus and Dassault had made offers to the Government on fractional ownership and replacement but the Government's contracts department had advised against accepting either since a tendering process is required.
Pictured above is IRL251 on approach to Dublin's Runway 28.
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