Lula evaluates purchase of presidential plane, but allies fear wear and tear in election year

After at least three risky episodes on official flights this term, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is studying the purchase of a new presidential plane. The decision, however, comes up against the high cost of the aircraft, estimated between R$1.4 billion and R$2 billion, according to market prices, and the potential political wear and tear in an election year, a scenario that leads allies to advise against the exchange. The budget must be delivered to the PT member at the beginning of 2026. Price quotation is in the final phase at the Ministry of Defense and the Air Force.

The intention to change the plane stems from the dissatisfaction of Lula and the first lady, Janja, with the limitations of the current aircraft. The president defends equipment with greater autonomy for international flights, more space for meetings, a VIP area and a larger room with a bed. The Air Force commander, Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, is facing difficulties in raising quotations abroad for aircraft that meet the Planalto Palace’s requirements.

The scarcity of this type of plane on the international market is one of the obstacles to the purchase, which can take months to complete due to manufacturing specificities. Production of luxury aircraft adapted for world leaders is limited and does not keep up with global demand.

International row

The Air Force activated brokers specialized in the purchase of aircraft, responsible for searching, in different countries, for companies capable of supplying models compatible with the criteria defined by the Presidency. At this stage, the government prospectes the market, consults values ​​and analyzes options. After this screening, the alternatives are submitted to Lula’s final analysis. The acquisition would take place through bidding. In 2024, the FAB even probed prices for German aircraft, including one used by former Chancellor Angela Merkel, but negotiations did not progress.

— There is a queue to buy this type of plane and a queue to adapt it. It is not built overnight and depending on the queue, it could take two to three years. The aircraft for a State institution requires a security apparatus, because inside it is the leader of the country who is being transported. In addition to safety, it must have flight autonomy and must be quick to arrive. Stopping to refuel is a risk, because every landing and takeoff is a risk — says lawyer André Soutelino, a specialist in Aeronautical Law.

Lula has complained about the risks faced during official trips. The most recent episode occurred at the beginning of October, in Pará. According to the president himself, an engine failure before takeoff forced the delegation to change aircraft. The group was heading to Breves, on Marajó Island, when the problem was identified while still on the ground. According to Lula, everyone disembarked due to fear of fire.

The aircraft involved in the incident is one of 11 units of the C-105 Amazonas model operated by the Brazilian Air Force. The twin-engine turboprop has been part of the official fleet since 2006 and was manufactured by the defense division of Airbus, the second largest aviation company in the world.

Another embarrassing episode occurred in March this year, when the presidential plane, the Airbus A319CJ — known as Aerolula — had to go into a dive when trying to land at Sorocaba airport, in the interior of São Paulo. According to the Presidency’s Social Communication Secretariat, the maneuver was necessary due to strong winds, leading the pilot to opt for a new landing procedure at the other end of the runway.

Before that, in October 2024, the Aerolula suffered a breakdown in Mexico after the failure of one of the turbines, an essential component of the engine. The problem forced the aircraft to spend almost five hours flying in circles over Mexico City to consume fuel and make a safe landing at Felipe Ángeles International Airport. After landing, Lula and his entourage changed planes to return to Brasília.

The episode was the last straw for the president, who said his life was at risk and reopened the debate in the government about the need for a more modern aircraft. At the first ministerial meeting of this year, Lula stated that that was one of the occasions when he thought he was going to die.

— I thought about my life because I spent 4 and a half hours on a plane, you know, waiting for a miracle from God so that the plane wouldn’t crash — said Lula.

Since the incident in Mexico, Aerolula has started to operate with a rented turbine. In January, two new pieces of equipment of this type should arrive in Brasília to renew the engines of the presidential aircraft.

Aerolula was acquired 20 years ago, during the president’s first term. The aircraft is divided into three sections: in the front, with 10 seats, the president, heads of state and ministers travel; in the middle, there is a room with a table; and, in the rear, there are advisors and guests, in around 40 seats similar to those on commercial planes. Limited autonomy, however, is one of the main problems. On a trip to Japan, in May 2023, Lula had to make two stops, in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Alaska, in the United States.

Purchased for R$495 million, in corrected values, the plane was the target of criticism and earned a nickname exploited by the opposition as a symbol of the Planalto Palace’s expenses. This is Lula’s second attempt to acquire a new aircraft. At the end of 2024, the plans were postponed amid discussions about fiscal adjustment — the opposition started to refer to the initiative as AeroJanja.

In addition to the technical and financial aspects, the political factor weighs on the presidential decision. Allies estimate that, between the purchase and the actual incorporation of the aircraft into the fleet, the process could take months, with completion only in the second half of the year. One wing argues that the acquisition should not take place to avoid damaging the image of the president, who is running for re-election next year. Another current considers it viable to leave the purchase scheduled for 2027. Positions against the purchase include close aides to Lula at the Palácio do Planalto and cardinals from the PT. Wanted, Defense, Air Force and Palácio do Planalto did not respond.

Another point raised by allies is that, during the electoral campaign, travel costs for political events must be borne by the PT. A more modern aircraft could increase these expenses. Even during the election period, Lula can only travel on FAB planes and accompanied by agents from the Institutional Security Office (GSI). In these circumstances, the party is obliged to reimburse the government for travel costs and declare them to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).

Financial impasse

The discussion about the purchase of a new plane also exposes internal dissatisfaction in the Armed Forces due to budget restrictions that affect investments and equipment maintenance.

Defense spending continues to rise and is mainly concentrated on personnel expenses. For next year, the department’s budget will be R$141 billion, of which R$107.9 billion — equivalent to 76% — will be allocated to paying staff. Of this total, R$812 million is reserved for “maintenance and supply of aeronautical material”, a value R$145 million higher than expected for 2025.

The Minister of Defense, José Múcio, defends the approval of a proposal that establishes a floor of 2% of GDP for the area, which would represent around R$244 billion.

— We need to know if we are going to pay the first installment for ammunition, a plane or a radar. It’s not just about numbers, but about predictability and continuity. Defense does not belong to a government, but to the country — said Múcio at a Senate hearing in September.

Behind the scenes, the minister often compares the Brazilian situation with that of Chile. Despite Brazil having a territory 11 times larger, the country maintains a Defense fleet smaller than that of the Andean nation.

Even with recurring complaints from the military, the government made a significant budgetary contribution to Defense this year. Congress authorized the use of R$30 billion over six years for strategic investments in the area, in direct coordination between Múcio and the Chamber and the Senate. The resources are outside the fiscal framework, with no impact on the spending ceiling.

In this scenario, the eventual purchase of a new presidential plane tends to compete for budget space with other National Defense priorities.