The Dutch government is facing an expensive setback as its official state aircraft, the PH-GOV, may need to be replaced after only eight years of service—far earlier than the expected lifespan of at least 20 years.
According to reports from The Hague, the premature replacement is being driven by KLM’s transition from Boeing to Airbus aircraft. Since KLM is responsible for maintaining the government’s Boeing 737-700 BBJ, the airline’s fleet modernisation is expected to make continued support for the aircraft increasingly impractical, prompting the government to consider switching to an Airbus as well.
The PH-GOV was acquired in 2019 for €89 million and was originally expected to remain in service for two decades. Replacing or selling the aircraft so soon is likely to result in a significant financial loss, with the cost of a replacement estimated at well over €20 million.
The government has yet to decide whether it will purchase a new aircraft or opt for a second-hand replacement. Either way, the decision represents a major financial challenge for Finance Minister Eelco Heinen.
The PH-GOV has experienced difficulties before. Its entry into service was delayed due to cabin-related issues, and although intended to be a relatively modest “workhorse“, the aircraft features a highly comfortable interior with seating for 26 passengers, Wi-Fi connectivity and premium onboard amenities.
Its predecessor, the Fokker 70 PH-KBX, named after Queen Beatrix, was retired in 2017 and later sold to Australian carrier Alliance Airlines, which used it for charter operations transporting mining workers across Australia.
Our comment: There is a much less expensive solution. Why doesn’t the Dutch government outsource the maintenance of the Boeing 737 BBJ PH-GOV to another company? For example, TUI Fly Netherlands maintains a large fleet of Boeing 737s and is not about to change.