FAU sells "useless" VIP jet at bottom price

After a failed attempt to auction off the controversial BAe125-700A 500 (CX-DIB, c/n 257071), it has now been sold by the Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya (FAU, Uruguay Air Force). The Hawker was acquired in 2016 for USD 1 million, including a stretcher for USD 90,000, so it could be used as an 'ambulance' aircraft.

Other FAU aircraft, like the CASA C212 Aviocar can perform those duties at a fraction of the cost of the BAe125. The set bottom price of USD 350,000 for the ill-fated VIP-jet was not met in the first round, necessitating a second go. In that second auction it changed hands with an Argentinian business man residing in Uruguay for a mere USD 180,000.  This undoubtedly further fuels the local political debate about this aircraft that was hardly used by the budget-stricken air force.

The BAe125 was assigned to the Brigada Aérea I, EA3T (Escuadrón Aéreo N°3 Transporte) and based at Montevideo/Intl Carrasco 'Gral. Cesareo L. Berisso' (Uruguay). The unit also operates the C212 as well as the C-130B, C-95 (Embraer 110), C-120 (Embraer 120) and the Cessna 210.

Photo and source: Defensa