English 
Spanish 
5 min read
0 comments
After facing a technical failure, President Lula abandoned the luxurious presidential plane to fly in a less comfortable model of the Brazilian Air Force. The change comes in the middle of his trip to the BRICS Summit, reigniting the debate on the modernization of the presidential fleet.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) faces an unexpected change on his next international trip.
After a breakdown in the presidential plane during a trip to Mexico, Lula will have to give up his traditional Airbus A319CJ, known for its comfort and sophistication, and travel in a larger, but less luxurious, aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
The decision, which took many by surprise, comes at a delicate time, as the president prepares to participate in the BRICS Summit, an event of extreme diplomatic importance.
- China surrounds Taiwan with 90 ships and mobilizes military forces: global tension grows in the Indo-Pacific with the risk of a historic conflict
- Discover the countries that do not have armed forces: Oasis of peace or dangerous vulnerability?
- FAB advances in military independence: unprecedented aerial identification system and 800 km missile place Brazil in the elite of global defense with Gripen fighters and submarines!
- R$ 270 billion! Global navies revolutionize the naval industry with the construction of frigates in 18 renowned shipyards, boosting the world economy with annual growth of 4%!
But why did Lula exchange the comfort of the A319CJ for a simpler FAB model? The answer involves technical and security issues and even the president's own desire to modernize the fleet.
Presidential plane malfunction and switch to KC-30
The turning point came in early September 2024, when the presidential Airbus A319CJ, used for trips by heads of state, broke down in Mexico, forcing the president to postpone the decision on replacing the aircraft.
For the trip to Russia, which takes place between Tuesday and Thursday next week, Lula will use the KC-30, the largest aircraft in the FAB fleet.
The Airbus A330-200, known as KC-30, was acquired by the previous government in 2022 and has since been used in several missions, such as the repatriation of Brazilians from Lebanon and rescues in Israel.
The KC-30 does not have the same level of comfort as the usual presidential plane. While the A319CJ is divided into three sections – an exclusive area for authorities, a meeting room and a section for more passengers – the KC-30 follows the standard of commercial aircraft.
Despite having capacity for up to 230 passengers and a flight autonomy of 12 hours, it lacks a fully customized executive configuration, being divided into economy, business and a small first class area.
An inevitable change? The debate on the modernization of the presidential fleet
The current presidential plane, acquired during Lula's first government in 2004, is reaching half of its life cycle, which raises discussions about the need for replacement or modernization.
The president, as well as the commander of the FAB, Air Force Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, defends the acquisition of a new aircraft.
“Personally, I advocate buying a new aircraft. This aircraft turns 20 in January 2025.
It is safe, but it no longer offers the autonomy that Brazil, as one of the largest economies in the world, deserves to have for its leader,” declared the military man.
The idea of acquiring a larger and more modern aircraft has been part of discussions since the beginning of the current government.
According to information from Coluna do Estadão, Lula had expressed, in the first year of his administration, the desire to replace the A319CJ with an Airbus A330.
The justification? More space, greater comfort and the creation of exclusive areas for the president and his support team, including a private suite, work office and a large meeting room.
Difficulties and costs involved in moving
Despite the desire for modernization, the plan faces some important obstacles. The FAB needs the KC-30 aircraft for strategic missions, such as refueling fighter jets during flights, moving personnel in emergency situations and aeromedical missions.
Furthermore, converting the Airbus A330-200 to an executive arrangement, as requested by the President, would be extremely expensive.
“The cost of conversion is high, and the FAB needs to use the KC-30 for crucial operational functions,” revealed a source close to the negotiations..
This operational need for the aircraft by the FAB was one of the main reasons why the idea of transforming the KC-30 into a presidential aircraft was temporarily discarded.
A pragmatic choice at a decisive moment
Although the KC-30 does not offer the same level of luxury and comfort as the Airbus A319CJ, Lula's choice to use the aircraft is seen as pragmatic, especially at a time of great diplomatic importance.
The BRICS Summit, which will take place in the city of Kazan, Russia, will be attended by leaders of the world's largest emerging economies, such as China, India and South Africa., in addition to the Russia, host of the event.
These meetings are essential for Brazilian foreign policy, which seeks to strengthen strategic and economic alliances on the global stage.
The temporary change of aircraft should not affect the progress of negotiations, but it raises the question of the suitability of the current presidential fleet for large-scale events, such as the one that will take place next week.
Lula, in turn, remains firm in his defense of the acquisition of a new presidential plane, which offers more autonomy and space for his entourage..
After all, does Brazil need a new presidential plane?
The temporary exchange of plane presidential rekindles the debate about the need for new equipment that meets the demands of a country the size of Brazil, both in terms of security and international prestige.
With the current fleet approaching the end of its life cycle, is the government willing to invest in a new aircraft for the head of state?
