Aircraft
‘Lula’s’ government flies new Airbus ACJ
In early January, after years of controversy, the Brazilian government took delivery of a new head-of-state aircraft that will be used primarily to carry P

In early January, after years of controversy, the Brazilian government took delivery of a new head-of-state aircraft that will be used primarily to carry President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, his cabinet members and senior officials. The $56.7 million Airbus Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), named Santos Dumont after Brazil’s aviation pioneer, is replacing a geriatric Boeing 707 nicknamed Sucatão (the Portuguese term for “big heap of scrap metal”).

Few questioned that the president needed a new airplane. Flagrantly in violation of international noise limits, the 47-year-old 707 had become some- thing of an embarrassment for the Brazilian leader.

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