Bertie to join high-fliers' club with €50m jet

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern's plans to shell out up to €50m on a swanky new Government jet means he'll be joining the ranks of some of the most powerful high-flying heads of state around the world.

Aviation experts say the Boeing 737 Business Jet, which the Government is expected to buy, means he'll be flying in more style than British prime minister Tony Blair.

The spacious jet, which has room for a large communications centre and even a double bed, would be powerful enough to fly Government ministers on long-haul transatlantic flights.