On the left, the Airbus A319. To the right, the Fokker 100. The two official planes of Slovakia fly the track at a very low altitude, almost touching the ground, as if the air were an extension of the platform itself. From land, dozens of cameras and mobiles point to heaven, trying to capture a maneuver that seems unrepeatable.
Both are part of the government squad managed by the Ministry of Interior. Although they are usually known as “presidential planes,” the truth is that they are available to the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, and the President of Parliament, among other high positions. They are also used in repatriation flights, humanitarian missions, or institutional representation tasks.
An Exhibition That Broke Molds
The show took place in 2021, and what was seen on that track is not, much less, usual. It is not common for presidential fleet planes – more associated with diplomatic transport than with acrobatics – to participate in aerial exhibitions with this level of expertise. That is why the scene is so striking: a display of technique and coordination with airplanes that, in theory, should move away from the spotlights.
It is easy to distinguish the Fokker and Airbus, even for the untrained eye. The former, more robust, carries its engines under the wings. The latter, on the other hand, has them mounted at the rear of the fuselage, just on the sides of the tail. There are also notable differences in tail surfaces: the Airbus opts for the classic vertical rudder and horizontal stabilizers, while the Fokker displays a T-configuration, with the stabilizer mounted on the drift. Two different aircraft, two different choreographies… but perfectly synchronized.
As seen in the spectacular video published by the Perinakx channel, both take off in closed, parallel, and elegant formation. In the middle of the track, one of the airplanes continues to rise gently, while the Airbus begins a turn to the right that leaves the blue fuselage cutting against the sky. From the ground, the image is imposing: the red engines, the blue fuselage with stylized wings painted on it, and the eyes that observe as if the plane were aware.
Fokker 100 of the Slovakia government
Later, in another video cut, we see them again in action. This time flying separately, but always very close to the ground. The Airbus stars in the most daring maneuver: it approaches the track as if it were going to land, first supporting the rear wheels and, almost imperceptibly, also the front train. It runs a few meters, lifts the nose decisively, inclines the plane slightly to the right, and takes off again. All in seconds. All with a softness that makes the weight of the plane seem oblivious to gravity.
Airbus A319 of the Slovakia government
This air demonstration gains even more value if one takes into account that the Slovak fleet is in the process of renewal. As Pravda points out, the government plans to withdraw the Fokker 100, second-hand acquired in 2016, which already had 25 years of use. Today they are the last of their kind operating in Europe. Although they keep flying – and giving a sound that captivates aviation fans – maintenance is increasingly complex and expensive. The plan is to replace them with new, more efficient, and versatile aircraft before the end of their useful life comes.
Airbus A319 of the Slovakia government
The protagonist Airbus of this flight is part of the generational relief. It was acquired in 2017 for 34.9 million euros, replacing the veteran Tupolev Tu-154m presidential. It has a medical configuration and the capability to move up to six people on a stretcher. Before joining the Slovak fleet, this same plane had served the former French president Jacques Chirac.
These maneuvers are not seen on commercial flights. They require surgical precision and absolute trust, especially in the other pilot. Because this was not a training flight or any exhibition: it was a declaration of intentions. The result was hypnotic, both for those who witnessed it live and for those who see it from home.
Images | Perinakx videos
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