Regarding the ongoing false and misleading reports published by the daily newspaper Alitheia, and in order to restore the actual truth concerning the staffing of the Air Force aircraft used for the President of the Republic’s official travels abroad, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus clarifies the following:

“The aircraft, from the day it was received by the Hellenic Republic, has belonged to the National Guard Air Force Command and is therefore duly staffed by the Air Force personnel. The responsibility for its parking, maintenance, and operations lies exclusively with the Air Force Command of the National Guard.

Accordingly, the personnel assigned to this specific aircraft (pilots, engineers, and flight attendants) were selected following specific regulations and due process, as set out in an internal placement announcement.

Specifically, regarding the placement of flight attendants, the selection process was initiated through internal circulars on 2 May 2022. Decisions on appointments were made by a designated committee on 27 May 2022, based on predefined criteria among those who expressed interest. Following their selection, the staff underwent specialised training at a Training Centre in Elefsina, Greece. When not performing in-flight duties, these attendants continue to carry out their regular responsibilities within their respective units.

The selected crew began performing their duties on the first presidential flight, which took place on 19 October 2022, accompanying the former President of the Republic of Cyprus on an official visit.

In response to claims made by the newspaper regarding allowances and privileges, I wish to clarify that the foreign maintenance allowance is granted to all National Guard personnel travelling for official reasons, in accordance with current legislation. However, no additional allowance is provided for the inclusion of flight attendant duties in their responsibilities.

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With regard to the unfounded claim that the National Guard appointed a specific Contracted Hoplite (SYOP) as a flight attendant in May 2023—after President Christodoulides assumed office—and that this individual allegedly has a close personal relationship with the President, nothing could be further from the truth.

Specifically:

1. The flight attendant in question was selected and appointed on 27 May 2022, following the aforementioned process. She was trained in Elefsina in 2022 and undertook her first presidential flight on 19 October 2022—several months before President Christodoulides’ election.
2. There is absolutely no family relationship between this individual and the President of the Republic.

Had the newspaper or the journalist in question conducted a proper investigation by simply addressing their queries to the Ministry, they would not have fallen into the trap of spreading these baseless and misleading allegations.

Finally, the public debate should be based on factual information rather than fake news driven by personal bias and baseless accusations, which insult individuals and amount to character assassination.

It is, I believe, the responsibility of all of us, including the journalistic community, to ensure  that citizens receive accurate and objective information and to counteract the unacceptable practices of the “yellow” press and its dissemination of false news.”

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