The U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One, was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews after the crew detected an electrical issue, prompting President Trump and his delegation to continue to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland aboard two smaller planes. The delay lasted nearly three hours, though the impact on the president’s busy Davos schedule remains unclear.
اضافة اعلان
A Business Insider report highlights the fleets of official aircraft used by world leaders for international travel, noting that these planes are not only luxurious transport but also equipped with advanced communications and defensive systems to ensure the leader’s security while traveling.
Key Presidential Aircraft Around the World
United States – Air Force One
Model: Boeing VC-25A
Service since: 1990
Length: 231 feet
Capacity: 30 crew + 71 passengers
Two nearly identical aircraft (tail numbers 28000 and 29000) serve as the official presidential transport. Whenever the president is on board, they are collectively referred to as Air Force One.
Russia – The Flying Kremlin
Model: Ilyushin Il-96-300PU (5 planes)
Capacity: 262 passengers
Advanced communications and defense systems, with smaller Ilyushin Po-214 planes (210 passengers) used for shorter trips.
Germany – Chancellor’s Aircraft
Model: Airbus A350-900XWB (modern fleet since 2024)
Includes Airbus A320 variants for domestic and international flights, featuring meeting spaces and high-security amenities.
France – Presidential Airbus
Model: Airbus A330-200 (converted from Swissair)
Call sign when in use: OTAM 001
Fleet includes Airbus A310-300 and A340-200 planes, with advanced communications and executive facilities.
China – Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental
Tail number: B-2479
Range: 14,320 km without refueling
Equipped with full office and meeting areas, plus advanced defense systems for international travel.
Japan – Prime Minister’s Aircraft
Model: Boeing 777-300 (replaced Boeing 747-400 in 2019)
Secure communications and executive cabins for continuous governance while traveling.
Brazil – Presidential Fleet
Model: KC-30 (based on Airbus A330-200)
Replaced Airbus A319 after technical issues in 2024, includes local Embraer executive planes.
India – Prime Minister’s Aircraft
Model: Boeing 777-300ER, called India One
Range: 13,500 km without refueling
Equipped with secure communications and workspaces for governance during travel.
United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Aircraft
Model: Airbus A330 MRTT, tail number ZZ336, known as Vespina
Modified for VIP transport since 2015, retains refueling capabilities
Seats 58 in business class; refurbished in 2020 at a cost of approximately $1.1 million USD.
These aircraft ensure leaders can travel safely while maintaining full command capabilities, blending luxury, security, and advanced technology.
