2024-02-14 05:52:25
The Argentine presidential fleet could suffer a drastic reduction under the administration of Javier Mileywith plans to sell most of its aircraft due to low use and high maintenance costs.
The fleet currently consists of three planes and three helicopters, but since Milei came to power, these aircraft were barely used, leading to questions about their future. It is estimated that maintenance costs are in the millions and, in a delicate economic context, the Government seeks to print an image of austerity.
As reported by TN, from the General Secretariat directed by Karina Milei, the possibility is being considered that the president would only keep one small Air Force Learjet for emergencies, while the rest of the fleet would be put up for sale. It is estimated that this measure could raise about US$40 million for two planes and three helicopters, while significantly reducing maintenance costs.
What planes and helicopters does the Government have?
The Learjet 60 (ARG-03), owned by the Air Force, but operated and maintained by the General Secretariat, would be the aircraft chosen to stay, since its maintenance costs are considerably lower.
Among the aircraft that could be sold are a Boeing 737-500 (ARG-02) and a Boeing 757-256 (ARG-01), the latter acquired during the previous administration for US$25 million. Despite not having been used since then, its maintenance in the coming months will generate significant expenses.
In addition to the planes, three presidential helicopters are being considered for sale, with one S70 Sikorsky Black Hawk and two S76s on the list. These helicopters also represent a considerable maintenance cost, which reinforces the decision to put them up for sale.
How much does the State spend on maintaining the official fleet?
According to a report published by Infobae, experts reveal that the maintenance of the presidential fleet requires an annual investment of more than US$10 million to keep the aircraft in optimal conditions. Added to this are the salaries of approximately 140 employees, including crew members, mechanics, lawyers, pilots and administrative staff, which represents an additional expense of more than $140 million per month.
The most expensive aircraft to maintain is the ARG 01, acquired during the administration of Alberto Fernandez. Although it arrived less than a year ago, it will soon have to undergo a major inspection, which will require an investment of more than US$3 million.
Since the end of December, this plane has remained inactive, except for a trip made on Friday, February 2 to the province of Mendoza, which in fuel alone represented an expense of about US$ 20 thousand.
In total, the maintenance of the three aircraft in the presidential fleet would imply an annual outlay of around US$6 million. To this are added another US$ 4 million destined for the maintenance of the three helicopters: one S-70 “Blackhawk” model and two S-76. This adds up to a total of US$10 million, without any of the aircraft making a single flight.
Added to the costs related to the aircraft are the salaries of the approximately 140 employees of the General Directorate of Logistics (DGL), a unit that is now under the direction of Commodore Fabian Barbieri. The DGL has 143 employees in total: 50 civilians and 93 military personnel, who perform various functions such as crew members, pilots, lawyers, technical buyers, administrators and secretaries, with an average monthly salary of $1 million.