Royal Australian Air Force VIP aircraft

The Royal Australian Air Force operates a number of specialised aircraft to transport the Monarch of Australia and other members of the Royal family, the Governor General of Australia, the Prime Minister of Australia, senior members of the Australian government and other dignitaries.

The RAAF's current Special Purpose Aircraft are two leased Boeing Business Jets and three Dassault Falcon 7x which are operated by No. 34 Squadron RAAF and are based at Canberra Airport. The Boeing Business Jets are custom configured Boeing 737-700s fitted with facilities such as conference tables, offices suites, secure satellite and communication capabilities. The two planes have a longer range than is standard for Boeing Business Jets. The Prime Minister regularly makes use of the aircraft for domestic and international travel.

Prior to the acquisition of the 737s, passenger-configured RAAF Boeing 707s tanker-transports were used. These aircraft were larger than the 737s currently in use.

In August 2014, the then Defence Minister David Johnston announced the intention to convert a KC-30A multi-role tanker to VIP configuration whilst maintaining its ability to serve as a military tanker and transport aircraft.^[1] The new plane has tail number A39-007. The new plane is painted in "air force grey" rather than the current colour scheme. The aircraft can now carry more than 100 passengers, including lower ministers and press on lie flat seats. The Prime Minister also has his own private section.