John Kerry's campaign plane ready..

[KDLarsen]

.. This is probably a dupe, since I haven't got acces to the search function - and I can't donate since I haven't got a credit card.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file/576140/L/

I personally like it - especially the "Real Deal" stickers on the engines.

[LuLu550]

1. Is this real???

Or a photo shop of a plane? Aren't planes like really really expensive???

[Rabrrrrrr]

2. the blurb says it was chartered, not bought

Perhaps he wanted a plane large enough to carry family and staff, as well as being large enough he doesn't have to fear being Wellstoned.

Though of course, I'm sure the real reason is to have room for staff - and also all the press people who come along - and others. Gotta have a big plane.

Wonder how much it costs to charter? $50K a flight? $1M a month?

[JayS]

4. I think Kerry has a Gulfstream. They sell for something like...

...35 million. I won't be buying one anytime soon. :)


http://jetsales.com/comp/types/jets/bgulfstreamII.html

[KDLarsen]

5. Yeah, it's chartered..

.. the parantesis says it comes from Transmeridian who operates a large number of aircrafts for other carriers.

I'm not sure how much it'll cost to lease, but I think that the press will have to pay a bit to fly along, so it doesn't end costing too much money. I could ask around on the site the picture is hosted on - there's some guys there that'll know for sure.

Also, keep in mind that it'll probably chartered from now on through to election time, ie. a 6 month lease. Also, the current low in the airline industry is sure to keep the prices down.

EDIT: A rough figure is around 120,000 to 130,000 dollars pr month, dry (ie. without fuel, cabin crew etc. - just the plane). For ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance), it's around 6,500 dollars pr. flight hour. And then there's the fuel cost on top.

[TheDebbieDee]

3. It's cool. I like it!........eom

[Renew Deal]

6. I love it.

That's a cool looking plane. I like the Real Deal on the engines. Maybe they should only put it on one engine? It can be a tribute to Pittsburgh. We need the votes. :)

[LuLu550]

7. Think I can hop on board

since I gave him a contribution???