The Falcon 900s were replaced by two Boeing 737 Business Jets and three Bombardier Challenger 604s in July 2002 . The new aircraft also replaced the two Boeing 707s operated by No . 33 Squadron in the VIP transport role . The 707s had permitted journalists to travel with the Prime Minister on international flights , and in replacing the bigger jets with 737s the Liberal government of the time determined that media contingents covering VIP trips should travel on civil aircraft . This decision led to controversy in 2007 , after the crash of a Garuda airliner killed four Australian government officials and a journalist travelling in connection with a visit to Indonesia by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer , who had flown on a Challenger . No . 34 Squadron and Qantas Defence Services marked 20,000 incident-free flying hours with the 737s and Challengers on 21 October 2008 . The following year saw further controversy when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd had to apologise for remarks to a cabin attendant over the meal he was served on one of the jets . In 2011 , the squadron provided VIP transport during tours of Australia by Queen Elizabeth , Prince William , and Frederik and Mary of Denmark , as well as support for US President Barack Obama 's visit to Canberra . It also flew senior government and military personnel in support of relief efforts during the Queensland floods , and was again awarded the Gloucester Cup for proficiency . No . 34 Squadron celebrated its 70th anniversary at Parliament House , Canberra , on 18 February 2012 ; the following day , a memorial to its first fatalities in March 1942 was unveiled at Fairbairn . The lease on its aircraft is due to expire in 2014 , and they may be replaced with new types
crash of a Garuda airliner
Garuda Indonesia Flight 200
No. 34 Squadron RAAF