Warsaw: Polish VIP fleet

The 36th Special Airlift Regiment (36 SPLT) operates from Warsaw-Frederic Chopin international airport and its ramp is located right next to the civil terminal. The unit is tasked with the transportation of VIP's and members of the Polish government, as well as the provision of humanitarian aid.

36 SPLT operates a wide variety of aircraft types: W-3 Sokół, Mi-8 Hip, Bell 412, M-28 Skytruck, Yak-40 Codling and a single Tu-154M Careless. The Yak-40's might be replaced in two years. Although the financial resources are not available at this moment, it's likely that the replacement aircraft will be leased rather than purchased.

A remarkable aircraft type in the inventory is the Bell 412. This sole American aircraft in the fleet was purchased for the visit of pope John Paul II, although he never flew in it.

Besides its transport duties, the 36 SPLT is also responsible for the reception of highly placed visitors. Recently, a brand new and rather luxurious terminal has been constructed for this purpose.