Inside the UK Government VIP jet

Like many nations, the UK has a large passenger jet that used to fly its dignitaries around the world. The UK Government VIP jet is considerably smaller than Air Force One of the United States and the Sultan of Brunei’s 747. That said, it provides similar long-haul capabilities in fairly modest levels of comfort.

The UK Government VIP jet is a modified RAF Voyager (registered ZZ336) and is known as VIP Voyager or “Vespina” when on VIP missions. ZZ336 is designed to transport UK Government VIPs and members of the Royal Family.

The aircraft entered service following a refit in 2016. Its first mission saw it fly then UK Prime Minister David Cameron to a NATO summit in Warsaw. The refit cost £10m (~$13m), but government officials say it’ll save the UK tax-payer up to £1m per year on transporting British VIPs around the world.

Back in 2016 press jokingly referred to it as Cam Force One. It has since flown two further Prime Ministers. Flying most recently as Bo(ris) Force One.

The Passenger Cabins

The UK Government VIP jet has two passenger cabins. There’s VIP cabin at the front of the aircraft that seats 58. At the rear, there are 100 standard seats.

VIP Cabin

The VIP cabin is fitted with Thompson Aero Seating Vantage XL lie-flat business class seats. They’re configured for all aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration.

The most important person on board also has the use of a desk in the VIP cabin and access to extra storage units.

Meanwhile, at the back

Surprisingly for a military aircraft, those economy seats look a lot more comfortable than you’d get in an average economy cabin on a commercial airliner! No In-flight Entertainment, though.

11 cabin crew and 2 pursers look after the passengers in both the forward and rear cabins.

New Paint Job

The RAF Voyager before it’s new paint job

Before it’s exterior face-lift, Vespina was visually indistinguishable from the rest of the RAF’s operational Voyager fleet

The UK’s VIP jet with its new Union Jack livery

In 2020, it was reported that RAF Voyager ZZ336 “Vespina” would undergo a paint job. After a few days in a hanger, and £900,000, the aircraft emerged with a swoosh down its side and a Union Jack on the tail fin.

The RAF Voyager

The RAF has 14 operational RAF Voyagers, which are modified twin-engine Airbus A330 MRTT. They usually provide mid-air refuelling to fighter jets and the movement of troops and cargo. ZZ336 “Vespina” has the upgraded interior and Union Jack livery. It leads a double-life as both a refuelling and VIP transport aircraft.

The Vespina is based at RAF Brize Norton (northwest of London) and is flown by the RAF’s 10 Squadron.