Denmark locks in decade-long VIP airlift deal

The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has awarded a contract worth DKK 122,7 million for VIP flight services.

The contract has been awarded to Danish charter operator Blackbird Air for state transportation services, according to a newly published EU procurement notice.

The agreement covers full-service aircraft charter operations for members of the Danish government and includes up to 480 flight hours annually, with an option for an additional 100 hours.

National requirement

DALO assesses that the agreement is exempt from procurement obligations because the nationality requirement is justified by overriding security interests and because less restrictive measures would not provide the same level of protection.

According to the procurement documents, DALO requires dedicated air transport services for members of the Danish government and, in light of the deteriorating security environment, considers it necessary to award the contract to a national supplier in order to safeguard Denmark’s essential security interests.

Three aircraft will be dedicated exclusively to the contract and must be available under a 24-hour readiness requirement. One aircraft must also be maintained in a ready-for-boarding state at Copenhagen Airport.

As previously reported, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer had been seeking to position its VIP aircraft for Denmark’s future replacement of its ageing Challenger fleet.

While the company declined to confirm whether it was in discussions with Denmark regarding a potential replacement programme, Embraer said it offers “very strong solutions in executive jets”.

Danish-registered

Blackbird Air, headquartered in Billund, is a Danish aviation company specialising in business aviation and charter services. Under the contract terms, the aircraft must be Danish-registered and flights must be operated by Danish citizens.

The contract has a base duration of eight years, with options to extend by an additional two years, bringing the potential total term to 10 years. It also includes an option to purchase up to 100 additional flight hours.

Blackbird Air are no able to comment, the company says.

Nor DALO are able to comment due to ongoing govermental negotiations.