Air Force One is one of the best kept presidential secrets in American history. Every president had a different setup in their respective planes, some crazier than others.
Air Force One’s Beginning
The first president to fly aboard the Air Force One was Franklin D. Roosevelt. The plane back then was a much different aircraft than what we have now. As a matter of fact, the first Air Force One was an amphibious military boat that could take off from the water. Nobody knows if Roosevelt actually even went into the air in his boat-plane.
The Blueprint
The current Air Force One has three levels, one is dedicated to cargo, one has passenger seats, and one is dedicated to communications and piloting. On top of that, there are two staircase entrances. One for the president and his guests, another for journalists and the public.
Flying Infirmary
Air Force One is equipped for any medical tragedy. This is to ensure the president and guests that they are safe. No president has been treated on Air Force One in history.
Absolutely Massive
Air Force One is 4,000 square feet large. The plane is completely equipped with everything to keep the president and his guests comfortable. Master bedroom, two bathrooms with running water, a kitchen, and conference rooms as well.
Prepared for Anything
There is a backup Air Force One that is essentially an airborne nuclear bunker. This plane was designed during the cold war in fear there would be a nuclear attack from Russia. This plane is called the “Doomsday.”
Speed Demon
Air Force One can fly up to 650 miles per hour, close to the speed of sound! Air Force One cruises at 580 miles per hour and can fly up to 45,000 feet, which is significantly faster and higher than regular passenger planes.
Every Base Covered
Air Force One has the capability to refuel in the air. This is usually reserved for emergencies only, but presidents need to be acclimated to what that feels like so all of them experience a practice run.
Heavily Armored
Air Force One is prepared for the worst of all occasions. The hull is bullet-proof and resistant to all dangerous radiations. Even the glass on AFO is armor plated.
Meal Prepping
There are two functional kitchens on Air Force One. AFO staffs chefs to cook meals when on extended flights. They have the capability to prepare 100 4-course meals at 45,000 feet in the air.
So Many Phones
There are 85 phones on board Air Force One. There are usually so many employees flying with the president at all times that everyone that can sit in AFO gets a phone. In addition to the 85 phones, there are 19 televisions and several radios and fax machines.
Going on a Beer Run
Around 1985, president Ford took Air Force One to a major beer distributor in the mid-west to stock up on the, unavailable in the east, elusive Coors banquet beer. At the time this was a rarity in eastern stores.
Cold War Panic
During the Cold War, national security was of utmost concern. The CIA director at the time installed high powered cameras to read license plates on the ground from 30,000 feet in the air.
Returning To Normal
Air Force One is equipped to be a mobile White House. Boasting a ton of phones, computers, conference rooms, and space for up to 100 representatives, if there is ever an event in which the president needs to take to the skies, he will be able to continue to do his job from afar.
The Biggest Bird in the Sky
When Air Force One is in the air, they take priority over all other planes in the sky. If AFO needs to land at any airport in America, all other planes have to halt.
Airforce Jelly Bean
President Reagan loved jelly beans so much that he had a private stash in AFO. He also had secret jelly bean deposits around the White House.
That’s Really a Lot of Space
Even though Air Force One can carry 100 people, the sweet spot is 96 according to former president Barrack Obama. Tickets for one ride on AFO are valued at around $80,000.
Safety First
To ensure the president’s safety, all passengers on AFO are assigned seats according to their rank/purpose for being there. Passengers are not allowed to walk forward from their seats, only towards the back of the plane.
Wait… How Much?
The current Air Force One cost $660,000,000 to build. The Air Force paid that bill in $140,000,000 installments. President Donald Trump has also recently proposed a new budget for AFO at 3.9 billion dollars.
The Foundation of Homeland Security
Former president George W. Bush Jr. established the Department for Homeland Security while flying in AFO after the 9/11 attack. The Department of Homeland Security defends America from on soil attacks, cyber attacks, and bio-warfare.
Pass the Presidential Aux
The president is always in charge of the music on AFO. Bill Clinton was known to bring his saxophone on board and practice to incredibly loud jazz music. Once the pilots asked him to calm down, he reigned himself in.
MPH (Money Per Hour)
Please excuse the awful pun, it costs around $200,000 per hour to take AFO out. President Trump has been known to take the AFO out for personal reasons, as well as to golf outings. Now you can see why there was such an outrage surrounding his golfing.
All Coiled Up
There are approximately 240 miles of casual power cables on board AFO. These are present in all wall outlets to maximize efficiency. That doesn’t even include all the internal wiring!
No Broccoli on Board
During George W. Bush Sr.’s term in office, he banned broccoli being cooked and served on Air Force One simply because he didn’t like it!
The Longest Fargo Streak
During Bill Clinton’s run for his second term, he played the Coen Brother’s film on Air Force One every time he stepped on the plane. This is the longest-running film streak in the history of AFO.
Clinton’s Hot Streak
Bill Clinton had a history of aggravating air traffic control employees by frequently postponing flights to get haircuts and food in places he liked. He would come back to the airport unannounced and had to be accommodated for with no warning.
Just a Title
People generally thing Air Force One is just one plane, but actually, every plane that the president rides on is considered AFO. If the president is traveling in an army vehicle it is called Army One, and if traveling on a naval vessel it is called Marine One.
A Giant Impostor
There is actually one other plane that’s the exact make and design of Air Force One that flies in the event of a hostile situation, acting as a decoy.
Subtly Slipping By
AFO was designed to be sleek and subtle to attract as little attention as possible. President Trump has plans to repaint AFO to add giant streaks of red, white, and blue to look more patriotic.
Very Very Protected
Recently, Air Force One has been outfitted to resist EMP’s (electromagnetic pulses) if someone attempts to shut down communication within AFO.
As Customized as You Can Get
Presidents are eligible to negotiate the purchase of a personalized AFO only if they are voted in for a second term. The AFO is a three-party contract between the government, the secret service, and Boeing.
The Longest Trip Possible
Most passenger planes can fly across oceans, but Air Force One can fly halfway across the world without having to touch down.
Mexico’s Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Surpassing Air Force One in performance and cost, this plan can fly up to 10,000 miles without refueling and can seat 250 people.
Germany’s Airbus A340-313X VIP
The German government took a different angle to their plane design, trying to fit as many seats into the plane as possible. This is a refurbished vintage plane made by Lufthansa, Germany’s paramount aircraft manufacturer.
Britain’s Airbus A330
This plane is tiny compared to the others, but Britain is a humble place. It can seat 50 people and can also refuel in the air!
Saudi Arabia’s Boeing 747
This plane is equipped with 5 full queen size bedrooms, 20 twin size bedrooms, and it even has a steam room.
Zimbabwe’s Boeing 767
Zimbabwe is one of the poorest countries in the world right now, so having a $400,000,000 plane doesn’t quite make sense. Anyways, their plane is a standard passenger plane with the Zimbabwe flag’s colors painted on the sides.
USA’s Doomsday Plane (Modified Boeing 747)
This is the USA’s preparation plane. In the event of a nuclear war, this plane is protected against radiation and can go days of flying before it needs to refuel.
Italy’s Airbus A319CJ
This is another humble plane, much like the people of Italy prefer things, simple. It is not that expensive, very tasteful interior and economical.
Taiwan’s Boeing 737
This jet costs a whopping $90,000,000, and compared to the others, it is modest and tasteful outside and in. It is described as “modest and professional.”
Brazil’s Airbus A319
This plane is very extravagant on the inside. Designed to provide utmost comfort to the president, and his esteemed guests.
Russia’s Ilyushin IL-96-300
This plane has fairly average hardware, but Vladimir Putin tricked out the inside to match his lavish taste. The interior is adorned with gold and cream colors, dim lighting, and gold-framed paintings of himself.
France’s Airbus A330-200
This plane has the worlds best wireless internet! It also has a functional shower.
Japan’s Boeing 747-400
Japan is known for its dedication to simplicity and minimizing their impact, but Prime Minister Shinzo Abe went against that idea when purchasing this $300,000,000 aircraft.
Jordan’s Airbus A340-600
One of the most elite presidential planes of all time, The King of Jordon does not allow more than eight passengers in the plane at a time, despite its 75 seats.
Bangladesh’s Boeing 777-300ER
This is the highest efficiency presidential plane in the world. Emitting %20 pollutants than even a standard passenger plane.
Yemen’s Boeing 747SP
This plane was destroyed in a fire during the beginning of Yemen’s civil war.
Qatar’s 14 Aircraft â Over $100 Million Each
In an attempt to seem as gaudy and royal as possible, the Emir of Qatar tends to bring up to 1,000 people with him on some trips. He showed up to meet the Prime Minister of Japan with ten jets.
Angelina Jolie
Not just major country officials own aircraft, actress Angelina Jolie owns a Cirrus SR22 and is going for her pilot’s license.
Tom Cruise
Multi award winning actor Tom Cruise owns a Gulfstream IV-SP
Jim Carrey
Good man Jim owns a Gulfstream V and he has his pilot’s license!
Jay-Z
Jay-Z was gifted his plane by Beyonce as a father’s day gift.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah owns a Global Express XRS Jet, this plane can seat up to 10 passengers.
Mark Zuckerberg
SEC filings about Facebook’s finances show that Mark Zuckerberg has purchased a private jet. Nobody has any information about the jet itself.
Harrison Ford
Han Solo actually owns 7 planes! No Millennium Falcon though.
Tiger Woods
The best golfer to play the game owns a Gulfstream G550.
Donald Trump
The host of the Celebrity Apprentice owns a Boeing 757 jet that is worth over $100,000,000.
Steven Spielberg
The director of Jurassic Park owns a Bombardier Global Express jet.
Tyler Perry
The writer of a ton of movies, most notably Madea, Tyler Perry owns a Gulfstream III.
Bill Gates
Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, owns a Bombardier BD-700 Global Express.
John Travolta
Multi film star, John Travolta, owns seven planes and has his pilot’s license.
Bono
U2 frontman Bono rented a plane for 18 months and customized it with the U2 logo.
Celine Dion
Grammy award-winning singer, Celine Dion, owns a Bombardier Express Jet.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman has his pilot’s license and owns 3 planes!
Elvis Presley
Rock Legend Elvis Presley owned a small jet named the “Lisa Marie.”
Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was given a Gulfstream jet from Apple when he became its CEO.
Warren Buffet
Renowned “humble” billionaire, Warren Buffett owns a simple Gulfstream IV-SP.
Ralph Lauren
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren owns two private jets.
Sir Richard Branson
Entrepreneur Richard Branson owns a Falcon 900EX.
Jimmy Buffett
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has three private jets to take him to Margaritaville whenever he wants.
Rupert Merdoch
Rich Man Rupert Murdoch owns a Gulfstream 550.