The Uruguayan Ministry of Defence has authorised the beginning of an auction process that will see the government rid itself of the presidential aircraft procured by the previous administration.

Former President Tabaré Vásquez purchased the Hawker 800 from businessman Carlos Bustin for a little over $1 million in February 2018. At the time, the expenditure was made more palatable to the public by stating the aircraft was to be used for medical emergencies and evacuations: during its operational life, however, it was used exclusively for VVIP flights.

The auction is not expected to be a face-to-face event. Prospective buyers will be able to visit the plane in an Air Force hangar at Brigada Aérea Nº1 in Carrasco, Montevideo.

Santiago Rivas and Florencia Lucero Heguy for MON