The "Kanaf Zion" aircraft is ready only for partial occupancy, and the delegation will have to fly separately, despite hundreds of millions invested and years of preparation.
The "Kanaf Zion" aircraft, used for the Prime Minister's flights, will make its first partial occupancy flight this month, according to Michael Shemesh's report.
Following investments of hundreds of millions and years of preparation, it was discovered in the Prime Minister's Office last month that "Kanaf Zion" would not be able to fly to the United States at full capacity. The aircraft, which includes approximately 80 passenger seats, will only fly with about 60 passengers, including all security personnel, the entourage, communication teams, journalists, and photographers.
Due to regulatory difficulties, Netanyahu's delegation will fly separately on "Kanaf Zion" and commercial flights. The final composition of the flights for the visit to Washington has not yet been decided by the Prime Minister's Office. Previous trips of this nature have accommodated approximately 80-100 passengers in total.
Officials in the Prime Minister's Office are criticizing the aerospace industry for failing to complete preparations and failing to ensure a proper and organized departure in full occupancy of the aircraft.