Government Falcon evermore useful - even for transporting organs

The hourly price for flying with the Falcon jet was established on the basis of a special rule book and costs 4221 euros. Foto: BoBo

The government-owned Falcon jet has been increasingly put to use in recent years, also due to the government's collaboration with Slovenija Transplant in transporting human organs.

Between the signing of the agreement with Slovenija Transplant (March 2015) and the end of April this year, crew members of the Falcon jet have transported 19 organs for transplantation and a vaccine. Four of those air deliveries were carried out this year. More about the jet's new mission will be presented at today press-conference, organized by the Slovenija Transplant institute.
The Slovenian government bought the Falcon jet in 2001 for 33 million US Dollars. However, before even picking it up from the manufacturer, Slovenia leased the jet to a US company, which then returned it in 2009 due to the recession. Ever since then the government has not been able to find proper use for it.

After 2003 every subsequent government tried to find a way to get rid of the jet. When the jet was returned to Slovenia in 2009, and when it had to pay a high price for some costly maintenance work on it, members of the government, influenced by public opinion, tried to come up with ways on how to get rid of the jet, rather than put it to use. The first to cut the Gordian knot was former Defence Minister Roman Jakič, who flew with the Falcon to visit Slovenian armed forces in Lebanon.
Evermore in use since 2013
After 2013 using the aircraft was no longer considered a sin. It flew on 25 occasions for the government in 2013. In the year 2014 it was used 31 times, while a year later 64 times. Last year it flew 104 times for state purposes alone. The Falcon, registered as part of the Slovenian Armed Forces fleet, is also offered for VIP transport to NATO and EU members. However, so far it has only been used twice as part of NATO's ATARES program.
The hourly price for flying with the Falcon jet was established on the basis of a special rule book and costs 4221 euros. Those ordering the aircraft will also have to cover the potential costs of de-icing and overnight accommodation of the crew. Last year the defence budget earmarked 320 thousand euros for a total of 170 flying hours with the Falcon. For the next two years the government has approved enough funding for 400 flying hours for members of the government.

T. K. B., Robert Škrjanc, Radio Slovenija, translated by K. J.