President’s F-28 jet back, good as new

The Philippines’ own version of the US president’s Air Force One arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City yesterday from Singapore where it underwent major repairs.

Officials said the almost spanking new Fellowship is now ready to fly President Arroyo around the country and possibly the world.

The presidential jet, a Fokker F-28, arrived yesterday afternoon to a warm welcome from members of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) led by Lt. Gen. Nestor Santillan and members of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing (PAW).

The plane was gone for more than two years, and the amount spent for repairs was undisclosed.

Upon arrival, the aircraft was taxied to its exclusive hangar in the PAW fixed-wing hangar inside Villamor Air Base for simple welcome rites, according to a statement released by the PAF.

The F-28 Fellowship was put on the auction block in 2001 because Mrs. Arroyo wanted to raise funds for the government.

However, on account of the growing preference for wide-body aircraft and smaller executive jets in the aircraft market, it had to undergo its regular maintenance schedule or risk gradual deterioration.

The return of the F-28 Fokker jet is seen to generate significant savings for the government since the President would no longer need to charter private aircraft for her trips around the country.

Earlier, Malacañang reported that the government spent over P75 million last year in lease payments alone for presidential flights.

"The F-28 Fellowship aircraft is coming back in A-1 condition, after almost two years of major repairs in Singapore," Santillan said. "What’s more, the pilots who will be flying it recently underwent advanced training in Garuda, Indonesia, and their skills have been well-enhanced."

The PAF said the aircraft would be very useful to Mrs. Arroyo as she embarks on a busy schedule in the months ahead.

"It is as good as brand new," the pilot who flew the jet in said.