sarkozyplane

The French media is buzzing with stories about President’s Sarkozy’s new plane. An Airbus A330-200, formerly leased to Air Caraïbes by International Lease Finance Corporation, reportedly now sits in a hanger in Mérignac (near Bordeaux), where it will be refitted by Sabena Technics. The estimated cost of the work to be done reportedly is €28.5 million, for delivery in 2011.

The French media hasn’t been shy when describing the future presidential jet. Top on everyone’s list: a bedroom. What else to expect from the French press? There will also be a bathroom, conference room, and medical center; however, I’ve read nothing about a kitchen, dining room, or wine cellar; this discretion by the French media surprised me. With an 11,000 km (5,939 nautical mile) range, do the French really expect their president to shuttle among the bedroom, bathroom, and medical center, without having a bite to eat before touching down in a distant land? Will the President even be able to disembark on his own? My thoughts turn to Mike Myers’ character, Austin Powers.

Otherwise, there will be Cordovan leather upholstery and space in the back for about 60 in economy-class configuration. Antimissile gadgetry will help ensure a smooth flight.

The French president also awaits delivery of a Dassault Falcon 7X, a high-end business jet described by its maker as “in a class by itself”.