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Home » Germany » Harry And Meghan Fly To Germany On Taxpayer-Funded Luftwaffe Jet
Germany

Harry And Meghan Fly To Germany On Taxpayer-Funded Luftwaffe Jet

Matthew Klint Posted onSeptember 7, 2022November 13, 2023 40 Comments

a man and woman standing together

So much for my prediction that Harry and Meghan would fly on British Airways. Instead, the Sussexes were treated to a ride on a taxpayer-funded German Luftwaffe jet used for high-ranking government officials.

Harry And Meghan Utilize Luftwaffe Jet For Düsseldorf Trip

Harry and Meghan spent the day in Düsseldorf, Germany yesterday as part of Prince Harry’s association with the Invictus Games. Rather than fly commercial, the couple was picked up by a German Air Force (Luftwaffe) jet at RAF Northolt (NHT), six miles north of London Heathrow (LHR).

The Bombardier Global 5000 jet (BD-700), operating as GAF645, is valued at $50 million and is used by high-ranking government officials in Germany. The twin-engine long-range jet can carry up to 19 passengers, has a top speed of 590mph, and a range of 7,279 miles.

Their flight left RAF Northolt at 11:34 am and landed at Dusseldorf Airport (DUS) at 1:23 pm. From the tarmac, the couple were whisked away in a black Porche Cayenne.

After the full schedule of events that resembled a Royal Tour, the Sussexes departed from Dusseldorf at 8:51 pm, landing at 8:51pm at RAF Northolt (the flight time was one hour and they gained an hour coming back). Controversially, the empty plane left RAF Northolt at 9:24 pm, arriving into Cologne (CGN) at 11:16 pm CET.

Asked about the flight, a German government spokesperson explained:

“The Bundeswehr has a fleet of transport jets and this was most suitable for the short trip from England. It has the smallest capacity for passengers.

“There isn’t a military base in Dusseldorf so the plane flew from Cologne and picked up the guests at RAF Northolt. It flew the party back to the same place and returned to Cologne.

‘The Bundeswehr is proud to be associated with the games to help with wounded war veterans and the offer was made when we were awarded the games. The same offer will apply next year when the games start.”

Some in Germany have raised concerns about the waste of using a private jet for this trip during a time in which there is a great focus on environmental stewardship.

CONCLUSION

Harry and Meghan have returned from Germany after a one-day tour utilizing a German Air Force Bombardier Global 5000 jet. The couple will now remain in the United Kingdom a bit longer before returning to California.

image: Northern Ireland Office

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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40 Comments

  1. Santastico Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    I can imagine the Bombardier Global 5000 jet is very fuel efficient and provides zero carbon emissions. LOL!!! And morons listen to these people and believe they really care for the planet.

    • Billy Bob Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 5:55 pm

      I think it runs on republican tears. Keep em flowing!

      • Malik on Wall Street Reply
        September 7, 2022 at 7:08 pm

        @Santastico and @Billy Bob, can we stop talking about politics on a travel website?

        • Santastico Reply
          September 7, 2022 at 8:15 pm

          Hello!!! Where did you see politics on my post? Brainwashed people believe celebrities. Where is that political?

      • Ranita Feliz Reply
        September 9, 2022 at 5:12 pm

        Agree with you, Billy. Let them ride. Re-fuel that beast!

    • Teresa Reply
      September 9, 2022 at 4:40 pm

      Give it a rest peoples about Meghan and Harry William and Kate who cares anyways. I’m sick and tired of UN pool Teresa seeing all of them online all the time everyday. And no I’m not jealous! They do nothing for taxpayers money. There’s more imp. Things to worry about. And I was wrong u can get. Nothing for nothing! If I had their money I’d be doing same thing. Lol! I have to go on my private jet to Paris now. What should I wear? LoL

  2. Matthew Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 6:11 pm

    The home wrecker strikes again. Poor Harry. I’m just flabbergasted by the arrogance and self importance of these two. #TeamQE2

    • Eripley999 Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 8:34 pm

      How is she a home wrecker? The British RF has been fractured for years, long before Harry’s marriage to Meghan.

  3. Matthew Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 6:13 pm

    Why would we expect Harry to fly BA? He has repudiated his land of birth and now claims California as his home. He should have flown AA. But 50/50 if his flight was cancelled

  4. Donna Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 7:05 pm

    I don’t have words to describe how much I loathe these two narcissists. She is beyond evil and he’s right behind her.

    • Lynn Colon Reply
      September 8, 2022 at 7:42 am

      That’s because you loathe yourself. I guess you called yourself a Christian also. I pity you. Get rid of all that Hate you have for her because she’s African American and not European.

      • CJ Reply
        September 9, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        It is getting old blaming everything on race. I did not see anything in the comment to say the problem is Megans race. The problem is her actions and they speak very loudly. Narcissist.

    • Jane murphy Reply
      September 9, 2022 at 12:12 pm

      These two people are committed to helping less fortunate and disabled children and adults. Harry was born into royalty; he did not choose it. Meghan is a hard working actress who fell in love with Harry but could not withstand the regimented life in England. They are living parents and beautiful people. They are not narcissitic…

      • Donna Thornburg Reply
        September 9, 2022 at 1:50 pm

        NOW…. You are living in a FANTASY WORLD like Meghan.!!! Everyone knew how her “THING” with Harry would turn out.!! And Harry just wants another mother figure.! She tracked the RF for yrs., “BLIND DATE” with Harry, that’s a joke.! Then marrying bc love at first sight, then all of a sudden….. she’s so upset and nervous and pretends to fall apart, she talks Harry into moving to the states. This was all HER plan from the start. And Harry’s missing out more than he should with HIS FAMILY bc of a whining, self-absorbed individual. And U say they do alot for others….?? Yep, but only to BRAG about.!!

  5. derek Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    Harry should ask to be the Kaiser of Germany. When he was younger, he wore a Nazi uniform so may he could ask to be Fuhrer.

    • Kyle Prescott Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 8:42 pm

      We all made mistakes when we were younger. I did adult films and let a trucker do something to me I’m not proud of for a ride. But now I’m the GOAT of Gambling and reinvented myself as Christopher Mitchell, the worlds greatest gambler. I fly First Class to casinos around the country and I am treated like a king by everyone of them.

      Don’t blame Harry for his youthful indiscretions.

    • Joe Chivas Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 8:57 pm

      Harry has gained some weight since he last wore his Nazi uniform in public back in 2005, do you think it still fits?

  6. Eripley999 Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    SO WHAT? Thousands of politicians, celebrities and media fly privately. Yes, we want to cut down on the carbon footprint but sometimes it’s impractical. It would be nice if the author could actually write an article that stands on it’s own legs rather than relying on click bait stories involving the Sussexs. Mr. Klint has become another lazy journalist who has found constantly dragging them out is great for getting their detractors to flock to his stories.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 9:55 pm

      Speaking personally, I appreciate the Sussexes and have nothing against them.

      I write about them because there is great interest in them from detractors and supporters alike.

      • Brian L. Reply
        September 7, 2022 at 11:13 pm

        “Speaking personally, I appreciate the Sussexes and have nothing against them.”

        You might be the only one.

        • anonymous Reply
          September 8, 2022 at 12:46 pm

          He’s not.

  7. Misha Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 11:36 pm

    This isn’t journalism. Find something else to do because you obviously can’t find something creative or Inter to write about. Or write about why Prince Andrew, accused of sexual assault on an underaged teen, is still living off the British taxpayers. Or why Prince Charles is taking money from the Saudis and handing out knighthoods.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 7, 2022 at 11:48 pm

      This is a travel blog, not The Guardian. If there is an aviation-related angle to Prince Andrew or Prince Charles, I’ll be covering it as well.

    • Team Harry Reply
      September 9, 2022 at 12:17 pm

      You go girl. There are so many other people or persons doing far more in this world. But try and be nice what they are doing is not harming anyone. People need to stop being rude, jealous . Harry is such a good man. And last time I checked who made everyone God. Judge!!!!

  8. Goforride Reply
    September 7, 2022 at 11:38 pm

    They’re going to games honoring wounded athletes and all you people can talk about is sniveling about the royal family.

    It just shows how soft and detached from sacrifice and hardship so many people have become.

    • Aaron Reply
      September 8, 2022 at 1:32 am

      He needs content that promotes clicks and comments and views.

  9. Karen Conner Reply
    September 8, 2022 at 3:01 am

    Setting a bad example for people who must frequently fly and don’t really understand. fully the escalating damage they’re doing to our fragile planet. Exceptions should go for the critically sick, shoulders in war and heads of state. Certainly not for publicity
    purposes.
    More

  10. Arthur Reply
    September 8, 2022 at 8:24 am

    But what is the F&B like on a Luftwaffe jet? Like intra-EU business class? Or is the Austrian air force better because they use DO&CO?

  11. Aaron Reply
    September 8, 2022 at 9:20 am

    FYI, The Sussexes are also on their way to Balmoral at this moment…

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 8, 2022 at 10:23 am

      Praying for the Queen.

  12. Jerry Reply
    September 8, 2022 at 1:47 pm

    I flew private for the first time last week, and it was incredibly convenient. For people on tight schedules that are often burdened by the press (neither of which apply to me), I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t do it if they had the means. As for the German government footing the bill, the Invictus games are a pretty worthwhile event, and any financial or environmental impact from this specific flight was negligible. As if Olaf gives a damn about what people think of what happens on his planes anyway.

  13. Glenn Reply
    September 8, 2022 at 8:18 pm

    This was coming. They knew the queen was in really bad health. I’m sure that’s why they were in Germany

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 8, 2022 at 8:43 pm

      My understanding is they were supposed to be in Germany today, not Tuesday. Maybe they did know something, though it feels silly they were not present at her bedside today.

  14. Anita Braugh Reply
    September 9, 2022 at 11:22 am

    Remember truces for thee, not for me!!!

  15. Adam Kad Reply
    September 9, 2022 at 12:48 pm

    Have you ever seen a queen work or for a job, or getting hired by certain projects?
    If the kingdom get money, where do you think its come from? England is a kingdom… open you eyes.

    • Matthew Klint Reply
      September 9, 2022 at 1:47 pm

      Heh?

  16. Barbara Burnsh Reply
    September 9, 2022 at 1:30 pm

    Why would anyone give the time of day to a person who would not even recognize her sick father who helped her become what she is today.Would not even out of respect allow him to see his grandchildren before he dies.What a contrast to Her Majesty ,Queen Elizabeth II, who throughout her life exhibited, integrity,selflessness & humility & grace..The world would be a better place without selfish egotistical self-centered people.

  17. Susann Reply
    September 9, 2022 at 2:22 pm

    I agree that they should have had more respect for his grandmother who has never done anything to either of them. I feel sorry for Harry. He follows her lead. What a shame. He could have been there for his grandmother like she was for him. I wish they would quit thinking so much of themselves and start thinking of other people. They have two children to raise.

  18. sands Reply
    September 9, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    Hypocrites tbats all they are ! still scumbags but now scumbags with money!

  19. Paul Reply
    September 10, 2022 at 8:44 am

    Na klasse! Jetzt werden auch noch Prinz Nuztlos und Princessin Pinocchio von der Bundeswehr hofiert und verschwendet dabei Steuergelder des Bundes. Man soll diese Invictus Spiele absagen und vor allem diese nie mehr einladen. Diese schamlose Wichtigtuer, die gar nicht in GB noch in die US was gebracht haben, lassen sich auf Kosten der Deutschen ihre Scheisse darstellen. Es ist Zeit, dass man diese zwei den Ausgang zeigt..für immer!

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