The government wants to buy some private jets so the jet setters amongst it can travel in the style that they consider they deserve, no doubt as part of the current programme of cutting costs in order to reduce the budget deficit. Obviously the USD240m that this will cost is coming out of petty cash.
In order for fair play and to make sure, or not, that jobs are created in this country, those chosen to take part in the tender can decide if they are going to make some offset here or not. Not everyone can apply, tenders are by invitation only, after all you would not want your leaders travelling in the aeronautical version of the Fiat 126p.
However the slaves of the masses seem to be quite fussy. Neither the French Dassault Aviations Falcon, Canadian Bombardier Aerospaces Challenger 604 or Global 5000 or indeed the American Gulfstream GIVSP or G-V is going to be flying our winged wonders, at least not in the foreseeable future. They have not yet been invited although their sales staff have been putting in the calls. Boeing is hoping to get a nice letter in the post. Their Piotr Czarnowski believes that if the state can fork out USD180m USD190m Boeing would not only supply the planes but also throw in some service and training. Not only that but it is also sourcing in the aircraft works in Mielec.
This contract is of course minor when compared to the combat aircraft order, much talked about for years and seemingly closer. The civil tender will not be held until the military matter is closed. Those in the know suggest that it will be used as a reward for a company that is not chosen to supply the military here with a huge injection of offset into the bargain. A sort of consolation prize.
The word in the corridors of power is that the Polish government is hoping to bomb whoever they are going to bomb with the American F16. In this case the French will supply the civil aircraft and the Swedes and British will supply artillery equipment. So that is nice and cosy.