Tim Kamuzu Banda
11 November 2009
Nairobi — When the jet carrying the Fifa World Cup trophy arrives in Nairobi Thursday morning, it will have landed in 34 countries in bringing football's most prized asset to millions of football loving Africans.
The jet lands at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 11am and will be received by President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In the evening, the Fifa World Cup trophy will be in the Nation Centre for a special ceremony organised by the Nation Media Group.
This will include a live programme on NTV from 7.30pm highlighting the special occasion of the golden trophy's arrival.
The iconic trophy measures 36.8 centimetres high, weighs 6,175 grammes and is made of solid, 18-carat gold. It is the same trophy presented by Fifa to the country winning the World Cup.
Just like the precious cargo it is carrying, the trophy tour jet is not ordinary, and was never going to be one. A South African Aviation company, Global Aviation, won the contract to supply it and had it tailor made for this experience.
The crew aren't allowed to talk to the media, but we learnt that it is a MacDonnell Douglas DC 9 twin-engine jet that was originally a 120-seater before it was modified for this purpose.
Outside is painted the colour scheme showcasing the World Cup trophy on the forward fuselage and tail section including Fifa World Cup trademark and tour organiser Coca-Cola's logos.
Inside, are three sections. The front is set out as a VIP area, that includes a mini bar, also used for Press interviews and hosts both Fifa and Coca-Cola delegates and guests.
On the trip from Lusaka to Bujumbura, a few of the team members used the area to play video games using a detachable flat screen TV screen mounted on the front side.
"They have been on and off the plane for more than 50 days and no doubt they need to relax," said Bachir Zeroual, the Fifa Trophy Tour manager.
The middle is configured to carry 24 passengers in First Class layouts.
The back section is used as a dress area by crew when they meet top dignitaries.
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