The Swiss Federal Council is currently plagued by a series of breakdowns in the government aircraft. This came into focus in the Swiss Confederation, because even a meeting with the Japanese emperor was canceled due to engine problems.
Now parliament is calling for a second jet to be purchased for the Federal Council. The series of breakdowns downright embarrassed Switzerland because it was not possible to travel to official appointments or government members were downright stranded.
The Swiss government currently has a Falcon 900. This was bought second-hand in 2012 by the Principality of Monaco. It is now being discussed whether a second jet with a longer range will be purchased. In principle, a second aircraft would already be available, namely a Pilatus PC-24. However, the range for long-distance destinations is not sufficient, which is why this business jet is primarily used within Europe.
The Federal Council does not want to comment on the current discussion. Other countries, such as Austria, do not have a government fleet. The Federal Chancellor and Ministers - at least officially - primarily use scheduled flights. In practice, however, business jets are mostly chartered by private operators.
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