| Inkwazi | |
| Type: | Boeing Business Jet |
| Manufacturer: | Boeing |
| Civil Registration: | ZS-RSA |
| Radio Code: | LMG1 |
| Owners: | South African Government |
| In Service: | 2001 - Current |
| Status: | Operational with 21 Squadron SAAF |
Inkwazi is a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ / Boeing 737) aircraft that serves as the primary mode of air transportation for the President of South Africa. Operated by 21 Squadron South African Air Force, the aircraft has a seating capacity for six ministers and ten additional passengers.[1] It cost 300 million rand to acquire and another 108 million rand to fit and decorate the interior which can accommodate up to 15 passengers.[2] [3] The jet's name means "fish eagle" in Zulu.[4]
In November 2015, Armscor issued a tender for the replacement of the Boeing 737 aircraft. The estimated cost of the new aircraft was between 2 billion and 4 billion rand.[5] Some of the specific set of criteria included a range of 13,800 km, seating for 30 passengers, a conference room for 8, and a private bedroom and bathroom suite.
The potential replacements include:[6]
However, in October 2016, Armscor announced, "none of the bids achieved a full score satisfactorily in the overall evaluation, thus prompting the cancellation of the tender."[7] [8] The company stated it would review the tender process and continue searching for a suitable replacement.
The current aircraft continues to be used for regional trips. However, when the ageing aircraft has been grounded for repairs, other private aircraft have been chartered.[9] [10] When an intercontinental aircraft with a range of 13,300 km is required, an aircraft has been leased from Fortune Air for almost 2 million rand a month.[11] [12] [13] The aircraft returned to service .[14]