President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that the presidential aircraft, Cyprus Airforce One (CAF001), will be at the disposal for the urgent air transport of transplant patients and organs once it returns to service.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace, Christodoulides said the decision forms part of a wider reform package approved by the cabinet.

“In the same context, but also as an indication of our political will for a strong welfare state, we have decided to make the national guard’s aircraft available for the air transport of patients in need of immediate transplantation,” he affirmed.

He added that the fleet includes the presidential aircraft, which has been out of service for the past year but will be used for such missions once operational.

“The national guard’s aircraft also include the presidential aircraft, which has been out of service for the last year, but once it is put into service, it will be available for such purposes,” he said.

The measure accompanies a social reform package approved by the cabinet establishing a unified legislative framework aimed at strengthening independent living and social participation for people with disabilities.

Christodoulides described the reform as “an emblematic social reform that substantially strengthens the welfare state”, adding that independent living will be supported through the decoupling of certain benefits from income criteria for people with severe disabilities.

“Our political will is also reflected in the budget,” he said, adding that €106 million has been allocated for the next two years.

The Gulfstream jet, previously operated by the Greek government, was acquired by Athens in 2003 before being transferred to Cyprus in 2022 for presidential use.

The aircraft carries a crew of four, including a commander, co-commander, engineer and flight attendant, and is powered by two Rolls-Royce engines.