David Cameron to get refitted RAF plane as budget version of US President's Air Force One

The £10m aircraft would be used by the Prime Minister and possibly members of the Royal Family, but a Government source claimed it would 'save taxpayers around £775,000 a year'

David Cameron and wife Samantha flying on a private jet in 2012 (Getty Images)

David Cameron is to get his own version of the US President’s Air Force One with the Government planning to spend £10m refitting an RAF plane, according to a report.

The aircraft would be used by the Prime Minister, senior ministers and possibly members of the Royal Family, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Ministers claimed the plane would save up to £775,000 a year by replacing charter flights currently used for long-distance trips abroad.

A Government source told the Telegraph the aircraft would not be “luxurious”.

“This is about saving taxpayers money. There will be upfront costs but by using a refitted RAF Voyager instead of chartering private aircraft for each long-distance trip, we will save taxpayers around £775,000 a year,” the insider said.

When he was Prime Minister, Tony Blair had planned to buy two private jets at a cost of about £100m, but “Blair Force One” was scrapped by Gordon Brown.

The British Prime Minister is the only leader of a G20 nation who does not have an aircraft. The US President’s Air Force One cost £200m.