Nicosia, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said the presidential aircraft, Cyprus Airforce One (CAF001), will be made available for urgent air transport of transplant patients and organs once it returns to service. He said the decision is part of a wider reform package approved by the cabinet.
Aircraft to support urgent transplant missions
Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace, Christodoulides said the government has decided to make National Guard aircraft available for air transport of patients in need of immediate transplantation. He said the fleet includes the presidential aircraft, which has been out of service for the past year, and will be used for such missions once it is operational.
Social reform package and disability measures
Christodoulides said the measure accompanies a social reform package approved by the cabinet establishing a unified legislative framework aimed at strengthening independent living and social participation for people with disabilities. He described the reform as strengthening the welfare state and said independent living will be supported through decoupling certain benefits from income criteria for people with severe disabilities. He said €106 million has been allocated for the next two years.
Background on the aircraft
The Gulfstream jet, previously operated by the Greek government, was acquired by Athens in 2003 and transferred to Cyprus in 2022 for presidential use. The aircraft carries a crew of four, including a commander, co-commander, engineer and flight attendant, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce engines.
How do you think the use of National Guard aircraft for transplant missions could affect access to urgent care in Cyprus?