PAF’s Gulfstream ferries medical supplies to Davao on first flight

September 22, 2020

The Philippine Air Force's new Gulfstream G280 command and control aircraft  flew to Davao City carrying medical supplies on its inaugural flight on Monday.

On board were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Health Secretary  Francisco Duque III; Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año; Chief Implementer on the declared  National Policy against COVID-19, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.; and, other Inter-Agency Task Force members  to Davao City to check on the COVID-19 situation and to transport assorted PPE (personal protective equipment) and medical supplies.  

The aircraft will become part of a system for enhanced control of  operations through continuous communications especially during operational exigencies  and emergencies.

It will allow for time-sensitive decisions to be made while airborne  especially by the AFP Chain of Command like the Secretary of National Defense; Chief  of Staff, AFP; major service commanders; and Commanders of the unified commands. 

The aircraft was formally turned over to the PAF in a simple  turnover and blessing ceremony at the Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base.