The presidential plane can't be sold, the Mexican government decides to rent it
Mexican President Andres Manuel López Obrador announced on the 28th that a Boeing 787 that served as the current presidential plane has not found a buyer for three years and will now be leased for weddings and birthday parties. for private events.
"The plane is being handed over so that it can be leased and used, that it can fly, that it can make money," Lopez said at a regular morning news conference that day.
According to Lopez, the luxury plane will be used for weddings, birthday parties or when the company rewards employees for group travel vacations, and the rent will be used for aircraft maintenance.
The plane will be operated by a Mexican company that manages multiple airports, and will be parked at a newly constructed airport north of the capital, Mexico City, and will not be used by government officials.
In 2012, the Mexican government approved the purchase of the Boeing 787, which cost about $218 million and features a luxurious interior.
In 2018, during his presidential campaign, Lopez said the plane was a symbol of waste and corruption.
After he takes office, he will start selling the presidential plane for $130 million.
However, there have been no buyers willing to buy at the list price.
In September 2020, Lopez issued the "Presidential Plane Lottery". 13 hospitals and 8 schools won at least 420 million pesos (1 US dollar is about 20 pesos) with lottery tickets donated by the government to purchase new crown epidemic prevention materials.