During the US-Russia spy swap this morning, the U.S. was represented not by a military plane, but by Vision Airlines. The contract for this flight was picked up by the charter company that generally runs getaway flights. Some are questioning the use of a private charter company for government business.

Source of article: Vision Airlines - US Government flies Russian spies in style by Personal Money Store

Vision Airlines swaps spies

In a moment that looked like a scene from a spy movie than anything else, a Vision Airlines jet and a Russian Emergency Ministry jet met up on a tarmac in Vienna. Fourteen agents switched the planes – ten accused Russian agents and four "Western Sympathizers. Both planes took off at the same time, and one of the biggest spy dramas since the Cold War was probably over.

The Vision Airlines choice

A couple of questions have been raised over why the US chose a luxury charter jet rather than an official airplane. Russia had a much more official way of handling the situation. What exactly were US officials thinking with this choice? Were all other planes in the United States already taken? It is possible that both the United States and Russia agreed to not use military planes, just in case. No matter why, using a luxury charter jet is an intriguing choice. One has to wonder if Vision Airlines donated their $ 10,000 plus fee for this trip, or if the U.S. Government is footing the bill. Vision Airlines is certainly getting attention for the choice – their site has crashed multiple times today.

Keeping tepid relations going

The Chief of Staff of the White House has said that "the president was 'briefed'" on decisions related to the spy swap. Seems like most decisions were made to avoid conflict between the two countries. Both countries have agreed to try and "warm up" relations.