Turkey Seeks Own Version of Air Force One

THY Chairman Candan Karlitekin confirmed that if Airbus fails to include a sample plane with THY’s order, THY will renovate one of its Airbus 310 planes for use by the highest level government officials, such as the Speaker of the Parliament and Prime Minister. The first 50-60 seats of the plane would be removed and conference rooms would be installed in their place. The 310 would also feature the latest technology, including an encrypted phone system.

Technical features of the plane THY would convert:

Departure weight:………….. 336 600 pounds (153 000 kg)

Flight speed:…….…. 520 mph (840 km/h)

Passenger capacity: 210 Maximum ceiling:………41,000 ft (12,497 m)

Maximum distance:……… 5567.6 miles (8 980 km)