The State has taken delivery of a new €53 million Government jet that will be able to transport ministers to destinations across the globe.
The new aircraft, a Dassult Falcon 6x was manufactured in France and arrived into Baldonnel this afternoon. It replaces the Learjet 45, which has been in service since 2004.
The aircraft has the capacity to carry 14 passengers and has a range of 10,200 kilometres.
Its maximum speed is 1,100 km per hour, with a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet or 15,500 metres.
As well as being used for ministerial transport, the Falcon 6X will be used to evacuate Irish citizens from critical situations, air ambulance patient transfers, medical evacuation or repatriation of Irish troops as well as logistics support for Irish troops overseas.
The arrival of the aircraft has been welcomed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee.
"The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next generation aircraft which will enhance the State's transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities and provide the State with an independent and flexible air transport service, which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting Ireland’s national and international obligations," she said.
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy said today marks a "significant milestone" for the Irish Air Corps in welcoming the Falcon 6X into service.
"This aircraft represents a major step forward in the State’s strategic reach, delivering enhanced capability in airlift, medical evacuation, and government transport," he said.
"Its range, performance, and advanced systems will enable us to support Irish citizens and Defence Forces personnel across the globe with greater speed, safety, and flexibility."
