Is this really necessary in the present economic climate?

"Red, white and blue 'national branding' makeover on military plane used by Boris Johnson will cost nearly £1,000,000"

"An RAF VIP plane used by the Prime Minister and the royal family is to have a "national branding" makeover at a cost of nearly £1million.

The grey Voyager jet is to get a £900,000 red, white and blue paint job as part of a pre-planned overhaul."

https://www.itv.com/news/2020-06-17/...ost-nearly-1m/

I've never flown so know very little about it but cannot a British Airways aircraft, probably now parked up standing idle, be used? Surely it would be possible to charter one as and when required?

What are your thoughts and comments on this?

Re: Is this really necessary in the present economic climate?

It seems excessive when compared to airline costs:

https://aviation.stackexchange.com/q...00%20or%20more.

Re: Is this really necessary in the present economic climate?

He wants to paint the sky with colours,where have I heard that before

Re: Is this really necessary in the present economic climate?

It's more than just a paint job though. There will be a number of upgrades including communications and defensive systems quite apart from cabin features.

Re: Is this really necessary in the present economic climate?

The plane has to fly.

The pilots have to keep up with their flying hours hours.

The fuel used.

In the long run it'll be cheaper than cchartering.