MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

And next December, “Samba 01”

Brazil's presidential Air Force One to be delivered next December will be equipped with a sophisticated communications and security system and a presidential desk that will enable the Brazilian head of government to rule from the air.

According to O'Globo which had access to government documents the 57,7 million US dollars Airbus Corporate Jetlinger, ACJ, can carry forty passengers and has four main compartments: the presidential suite with toilet and shower and a therapy unit; another area for the pilots; for the rest of the crew of twelve, and the passengers cabin.

The Brazilian Air Force One or "Project VC-X" was purchased directly by the Defence Ministry for "national security reasons", and will have satellite imaging communication system and two direct phone lines to the rest of the world, one of them exclusive for the President.

The Brazilian government has already advanced 16,2 million US dollars and the rest will be paid in seven consecutive instalments.

According to O'Globo the Brazilian Air Force compares the future aircraft and equipment with the US Air Force One used by President George Bush.

A command post with weapons of exclusive use by Brazilian Armed Forces will also be included.

The Brazilian press point out that the presidential suite will have a double King bed plus a flat full screen, DVD and a sound equipment for music.

Recalling that the Argentine presidential aircraft purchased by former President Carlos Menem with a price tag of 66 million US dollars was named "Tango 01", the Brazilian press is asking if when Socialist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva inaugurates the aircraft next December, will it be baptized "Samba 01"?