“Aerolula”: discover the plane that suffered a breakdown and reopened government debate about replacement
The Presidency of the Republic plane that suffered a breakdown shortly after taking off from Mexico City — and had to return to the country — was once again in the crosshairs of members of the government and the president himself. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and reignited discussions at Palácio do Planalto about the need for a possible replacement.
On Tuesday (1st), the VC-1 presidential aircraft, which was to take Lula back to Brazil after a three-day official trip to Mexico, experienced engine problems that scared the crew. The plane’s pilot declared an emergency on board.
What is “Aerolula” like?
The presidential plane used by Lula was produced in Germany and has the range to fly around 11 thousand kilometers. The aircraft is an Airbus A319CJ and was assembled in the city of Hamburg (ALE).
The “Aerolula”, as it is called behind the scenes at Planalto, is valued at R$500 million and holds up to 45 passengers. The plane weighs approximately 50 tons and, according to the manufacturer, can reach a speed of 828 kilometers per hour (km/h).
Inside the aircraft, there is the presidential suite, close to the dispatch office (located close to the wings).
The bed is attached to one of the sides of the plane. There is also a dining table and two reclining leather armchairs, as well as a TV.
Lula’s plane pilot declared an emergency situation shortly after taking off, says newspaper
In conversation with a tower at Mexico City airport, the pilot identifies the aircraft, asks to make a turn and says: “Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan”
FAB defense technology
“Aerolula” relies on technological defense instruments from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) to prevent tracking or listening to its internal communications. The plane can also emit signals designed to confuse potential attackers.
The VC-1 also has a communication system that connects directly to the Palácio do Planalto, with telephones and computers.
A “veteran” plane
The “Aerolula” model has been used by the Brazilian government since 2005, during the first term of the President of the Republic.
The aircraft was chosen in 2003 – the first year of Lula’s first term –, four years after an incident during a trip by the then vice-president of the Republic, Marco Maciel, to China (during the FHC government).
At the time, Planalto decided to exchange the old Boeing 707 planes and opted for aircraft charter. In 2003, under Lula, claiming that the costs of these charters were high, the federal government chose an aircraft considered, at the time, more modern, safe and economical.
After changing aircraft and this time without any scares, Lula’s plane lands in Brasília
According to information from Palácio do Planalto, the plane with the president landed at 10:12 am this Wednesday (2) at the Brasília Air Base (DF). According to Planalto, “the flight was peaceful without any complications”
Is it time to change?
The technical problems detected in the “Aerolula” could be the “final straw” for a possible exchange of the presidential aircraft – an issue that has long been on the agenda of Lula and the Ministry of Defense.
The Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteirohe even had to interrupt his vacation because of the crisis generated by the “Aerolula” breakdown on his way back from Mexico, in addition to planning the operation to repatriate Brazilians living in Lebanon. Múcio should have a conversation with Lula about the subject, on Thursday (3).
According to information from journalist Lauro Jardim, columnist for The Globe, Lula reportedly expressed irritation during the flight because he felt “isolated in the air”.
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At a time of greatest tension, the president reportedly said that it was past time to buy new aircraft. For it to be effective, the acquisition must be authorized by the National Congress.
Last year, Lula had already expressed to the FAB his intention to exchange the presidential plane for a model with greater flight range and that would not need to make many stopovers to refuel.
The president would also like the official government plane to have more space for guests. Lula usually travels accompanied by close advisors, state ministers and, occasionally, authorities such as deputies and senators.
The FAB is looking at two alternatives: the adaptation of one of the Airbus A330-200 aircraft acquired during the former president’s government Jair Bolsonaro (PL) or the purchase of a new plane.
In 2023, his first year in government in his third term, Lula made 15 international trips. The current “Aerolula” has been in use for 18 years and is already approaching the middle of its “life cycle”.
See photos of the Presidency of the Republic plane:
