N14AZ From Germany, joined Feb 2007, 999 posts, RR: 1 Posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 6 days 1 hour ago) and read 13899 times:
Sorry if this has been already posted (please delete if that's the case) but finally some pictures of the A340-642 for the Kingdom of Jordan appeared in the database:
Maxisno1 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2007, 210 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 13226 times:
Was it really necessary to get an A340? A bit O.T.T. Looks like her majesty needs to travel in style. If P. Diddy can't afford to fly in a little private jet that cost two hundred grand for a return trip from JFK to LAX then I have to wonder what the price is to run this baby. Then again Is Jordan one of those oil-rich countries? Looks like it.
Teneriffe77 From United States of America, joined Jul 2006, 342 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 12213 times:
Solnabo From Sweden, joined Jan 2008, 238 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 12133 times:
Quoting Teneriffe77 (Reply 9): Speaking of executive airliners I see Chile has acquired a 763, which I believe is one fo the few 763's to carry government markings anywhere in the world.
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 4144 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 11826 times:
Quoting Solnabo (Reply 8): Agree with Maxisno1: why this big jet for Jordan Royal´s, a A319CJ would do.
Why does the president of the US need a 747? He can get anywhere he wants to go with a BBJ.
ExecJet From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2008, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 11709 times:
Ultimately, it's all about showing off, isn't it? "My one's bigger than yours". That and the King obviously needs a fair bit of room to stretch his legs - the A340-200 which he had just isn't quite big enough
CAP2008 From United States of America, joined May 2007, 249 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 11661 times:
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 14): Why does the president of the US need a 747?
Why does Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud need a 747 and an A380 with a $58 milllion dollar gold leaf paint job? Makes me happy to see what $4/gal gas is paying for.
Par13del From Bahamas, joined Dec 2005, 2655 posts, RR: 3 Reply 19, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 11511 times:
If this is a new build a/c why all the windows, if its for the Royal's I would think the windows would re configured to work with the interior, how many windows do you need in your bedroom, boardroom, excersize room, conference room, kitchens etc. Not saying it should be like a cargo a/c but that sure looks like a regular pax config on the outside including all the exits for the number of pax carried in a civil configuration.
Now for the fun part, based on the length of the a/c, how much time do you save on arrival if you are in the front of the a/c versus the back?
Skyfellow From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 20, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 11489 times:
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 14): Why does the president of the US need a 747? He can get anywhere he wants to go with a BBJ.
Sure he can get anywhere in a BBJ.
If the President traveled by himself and his immediate family only, he would not need a 747. But if I'm not mistaken, support staff/security/journalists tallying 200+ will often accompany the President on official visits. I believe he brings his own vehicle too.
In contrast I'm not sure how the President gets to his ranch in Crawfordsville, TX or to his summer home in Kennybunkport, ME. You would think he would chose something smaller and more economical to fly for those kinds of visits. Maybe some of our fellow a.netters can fill us in on their observations in these locations.
ExecJet From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2008, 28 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 11445 times:
Quoting HECA (Reply 18): The A346 doesn't seem to have the special security features of the A342 though:
I would have thought these may well be fitted whilst the interior is being outfitted. This will probably take quite some time, presumably at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, but maybe Jet Aviation in Basel.
EK345 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 150 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 10781 times:
Quoting CAP2008 (Reply 17): Why does Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud need a 747 and an A380 with a $58 milllion dollar gold leaf paint job? Makes me happy to see what $4/gal gas is paying for.
Do your homework before making assumptions. The truth is that he started by a $30,000 loan from his father and a $300,000 mortgage on his house. He initially brokered deals with foreign firms wishing to do business in Saudi Arabia, and made most of his wealth through the stock market and very wise investments. He did not acquire his wealth through your $4 contributions at the pump.
If someone works hard and makes a lot of money in return for their hard work, then they should be free to spend it as they wish. I don't mind that he is getting his own A380... good for him! He is more of a role model to me rather than someone I should hate and despise due to his success.
AirNZ From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2005, 3322 posts, RR: 14 Reply 24, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 10205 times:
Quoting Maxisno1 (Reply 5): Was it really necessary to get an A340? A bit O.T.T. Looks like her majesty needs to travel in style. If P. Diddy can't afford to fly in a little private jet that cost two hundred grand for a return trip from JFK to LAX then I have to wonder what the price is to run this baby. Then again Is Jordan one of those oil-rich countries? Looks like it.
Slight correction....you mean the KING of Jordan.
However, strange post really as when criticising the need for what YOU think is OTT you apparently don't even know that Jordan is not an oil producing country at all. So why criticise when you don't even know basic facts
AA1818 From Trinidad and Tobago, joined Feb 2006, 2766 posts, RR: 7 Reply 25, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 10021 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 20):
In contrast I'm not sure how the President gets to his ranch in Crawfordsville, TX or to his summer home in Kennybunkport, ME. You would think he would chose something smaller and more economical to fly for those kinds of visits. Maybe some of our fellow a.netters can fill us in on their observations in these locations.
I believe that the POTUS uses a Military Helicopter for short distances like that. There are also other a/c in the Air Force and Navy that the POTUS can use. 737s, 757s come to mind too.
A342 From Germany, joined Jul 2005, 3950 posts, RR: 1 Reply 29, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 9899 times:
Quoting ExecJet (Reply 21): Quoting HECA (Reply 18):
The A346 doesn't seem to have the special security features of the A342 though:
I would have thought these may well be fitted whilst the interior is being outfitted. This will probably take quite some time, presumably at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, but maybe Jet Aviation in Basel.
IIRC the A342 had the missile protection system fitted at LHT.
DiscoverCSG From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 744 posts, RR: 0 Reply 30, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 9865 times:
Quoting Maxisno1 (Reply 5): Looks like her majesty needs to travel in style.
That's his majesty, King Abdullah II.
Quoting Maxisno1 (Reply 5): Then again Is Jordan one of those oil-rich countries? Looks like it.
Nope. Jordan is very poor when it comes to minerals.
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 20): You would think he would chose something smaller and more economical to fly for those kinds of visits.
Yes, but the problem is, the VC-25's (747's) are specially equipped with communication and security devices, and it's impossible to know when those will be needed, or when travel plans will have to be altered.
For instance, one day early in his administration, GWB went to Florida to read to elementary school kids. He didn't know that while he was on that trip, the USA would be attacked. The VC-25 was waiting nearby, and travel plans changed dramatically.
To put it another way, just because the president isn't doing something "presidential" doesn't mean he/she isn't still the POTUS. Foreign leaders don't care is GWB is en route to his "vacation" home in Crawford or not. If there's a crisis and a foreign leader needs to get ahold of the POTUS, it needs to happen n.o.w., not in three hours when he's near a secure landline phone.
Quoting AA1818 (Reply 25): I believe that the POTUS uses a Military Helicopter for short distances like that. There are also other a/c in the Air Force and Navy that the POTUS can use. 737s, 757s come to mind too.
Skyfellow From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 31, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 9079 times:
Quoting A342 (Reply 29): It's Crawford, not Crawfordville.
Sorry. Thanks for correcting me.
Quoting DiscoverCSG (Reply 30): Yes, but the problem is, the VC-25's (747's) are specially equipped with communication and security devices, and it's impossible to know when those will be needed, or when travel plans will have to be altered.
For instance, one day early in his administration, GWB went to Florida to read to elementary school kids. He didn't know that while he was on that trip, the USA would be attacked. The VC-25 was waiting nearby, and travel plans changed dramatically.
But is it so that other aircraft used by the President are not equipped with similar communication and security devices compared to the Air Force One?
I know that the President is using a helicopter when going to and returning from Camp David. Maybe the proximity to the Air Force One is simply so close that this would never be of any concern. I assume our President would use the helicopter to get to the Air Force One from the White House or Camp David in any regard.
You bring up a good point though. I believe the President of the United States may be one of the most mobile leaders of the world and have come to depend on having the Air Force One on stand by at any time and for any contingency.
The King of Jordan is certainly a likeable guy, but I can only wonder how a small and poor country can afford itself an A-340-642 for Royal/government travel only. It amazes me as much as this aircraft is beautiful to look at.
FRAspotter From United States of America, joined May 2004, 1893 posts, RR: 8 Reply 32, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 6912 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 20): I believe he brings his own vehicle too.
Actually most places the president goes, there are usually 1 or 2 C-5 Galaxies that arrive beforehand with the presidential motorcade, support vehicles, and on some occasions even the Presidential helicopter and all associated staff...
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 20): In contrast I'm not sure how the President gets to his ranch in Crawfordsville, TX or to his summer home in Kennybunkport, ME. You would think he would chose something smaller and more economical to fly for those kinds of visits.
I've seen pics before where the president has used 737, 757, and gulfstream jets where he flys into Waco, Texas. Than it is either helicopter or motorcade to Crawford from there...
"I wish that my lawn were emo, that way it would cut itself..."
Skyfellow From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 33, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 6549 times:
Quoting FRAspotter (Reply 32): Actually most places the president goes, there are usually 1 or 2 C-5 Galaxies that arrive beforehand with the presidential motorcade, support vehicles, and on some occasions even the Presidential helicopter and all associated staff...
Thanks for the clarification. I realize it could be quite a circus when our President ventures out on an official visit. I never did know, however, that C-5 Galaxies had anything to do with these visits like you point out. But I can believe that. Wish the Discovery Channel could throw a documentary on this one day .
Quoting FRAspotter (Reply 32): I've seen pics before where the president has used 737, 757, and gulfstream jets where he flys into Waco, Texas. Than it is either helicopter or motorcade to Crawford from there
I believe I have seen the President disembark, and to my surprise, a Gulfstream. It may have been as far back as around 9/11 or in the hectic days that followed. In any regard, a long time ago and a fuzzy memory by now.
But Waco should be the closest major airport to the President's ranch in Crawford. Could Air Force One even land there? As much time as he spends down there, you would think that Air Force One would be ready to go at anytime and from somewhere closeby.
9VSIO From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 512 posts, RR: 3 Reply 35, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 6041 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 33): Could Air Force One even land there? As much time as he spends down there, you would think that Air Force One would be ready to go at anytime and from somewhere closeby.
I presume that the aircraft chosen for AF1 that day would be able to get in...In fact, Air Force One will always be ready to go no matter what plane he ultimately gets on, given that they will all be...Air Force One
Me: (Lining up on final) I shall now select an aiming point. || Instructor: Well, I hope it's the runway...
Skyfellow From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 36, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 5363 times:
Quoting Semsem (Reply 34): Impressive. We send our leaders off on old Boeing 707s or commercial flights
Maybe in Israel they do. But obviously in Jordan a new trend has emerged and a trend somewhat consistent with how we know it here in the US. From now on Jordan will only send their leaders and Royalty off in a brand spanking new and shiny A340-642.
Okees From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 366 posts, RR: 8 Reply 37, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 4720 times:
so inflation is rising like there is no tom in Jordan, the very few rich get so much richer while the majority of the population will suffer horribly this winter from ever increasing energy prices, and the government shells out god knows how much for this when they had a perfectly good 340. I dont get this. I wonder what the Jordanian people think of this. Despite my utter disapproval regarding this new plane, I really think it looks freaking amazing!!
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 38, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 4419 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 20): In contrast I'm not sure how the President gets to his ranch in Crawfordsville, TX or to his summer home in Kennybunkport, ME. You would think he would chose something smaller and more economical to fly for those kinds of visits. Maybe some of our fellow a.netters can fill us in on their observations in these locations.
Well they do have the C-32A's and even a fleet of Marine Helicopters. It's not hard at all and everytime he travels, it doesn't mean he is using the 747's to ride in you know
SATX From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 2836 posts, RR: 10 Reply 39, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 5 days 3 hours ago) and read 4407 times:
Truly disgusting. What kind of person has a ego so huge that it requires such an aircraft to hold it?
If you really want more of the same, then by all means keep voting for the Grand Oil Party.
Quoting Maxisno1 (Reply 5): Then again Is Jordan one of those oil-rich countries? Looks like it.
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 12): Hmmm...maybe we're simply looking at a large Royal family?
Quoting ExecJet (Reply 16): Ultimately, it's all about showing off, isn't it? "My one's bigger than yours". That and the King obviously needs a fair bit of room to stretch his legs
Wow I don't remember seeing so many ignorant posts in such a short thread. Please do some homework before spouting off ignorant remarks.
Having said that, I am also surprised for the need of such a large aircraft for King Abdulla when I'm sure he could get by with a much smaller jet. King Abdualla is not the kind of leader who lives a lavish lifestyle, so this comes as a surprise to me. I know the Jordanian economy is doing better these days, but not that much better to justify such an aircraft.
Smeg From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2008, 156 posts, RR: 0 Reply 44, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 3240 times:
Quoting SATX (Reply 39): Truly disgusting. What kind of person has a ego so huge that it requires such an aircraft to hold it?
What?????? Pot and Kettle springs to mind.
He is the head of State, and decides to travel using a large jetliner, rather than on Commercial flights. This is his choice. Rather like another head of State that I could mention. (I seem to remember the last time GWB came here, there was not just one but two virtually identical very large jetliners, a myriad of helocopters and other military planes, cars etc.
Now, before anyone goes off on how vital it is for the US President to have all these vehicles, blah, blah, blah (discussed here a hundred times) could one not also give the Jordanian Government that same benefit of doubt and assume that there is a god reason for having this aircraft.
The British Government and Royals tend to travel on Commercial flights. - Good for them. Does that mean that they are right and the US/Jordan are wrong? Not at all. It is an operational choice made by the respective Governments who have a hell of a lot more information than we do.
Oh, and for the record. DAMN that is one sexy plane!!!!!
SATX From United States of America, joined Apr 2005, 2836 posts, RR: 10 Reply 45, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 3166 times:
Quoting Smeg (Reply 44): What? Pot and Kettle springs to mind...I seem to remember the last time GWB came here, there was not just one but two virtually identical very large jetliners, a myriad of helocopters and other military planes, cars etc.
You know what they say about assumptions... It looks as though you wrongly assumed that just because one of these two ego maniacs came from my own country that I would be some sort of apologist for him. In reality I don't hold the POTUS any differently than the King of Jordan; they're both full of it to fly such massive inefficient contraptions around the globe. Most of what they do abroad seems more about photo ops and PR than anything else. "Met for an hour or two with Prez/PM/Lord so-and-so..." Who cares? I guess when our next POTUS has already admitted he's never even used email on his own you being to realize that they have no concept of "fancy" 1990's technology that doesn't require them to perform worthless administrative handshakes in person anymore. Seems like they could cut back a lot on all this handshaking nonsense and save their employers a lot of money in the process.
If you really want more of the same, then by all means keep voting for the Grand Oil Party.
Smeg From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2008, 156 posts, RR: 0 Reply 46, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 3121 times:
Quoting SATX (Reply 45): It looks as though you wrongly assumed that just because one of these two ego maniacs came from my own country that I would be some sort of apologist for him
I certainly did make an assumption, and for that I apologise.
I for one am proud of the way that our Prime Minster and Royal family tend to travel on commercial flights. It links them in some small way to the little people. (granted, it is a very small link but a link nonetheless!)
I certainly agree with you with regards to these "State Transports", but also feel that if other heads of state feel that they need dedicated transport then that is their choice, and it is for their own citizens to make their feelings known. It does however make me laugh at the calls for a new AF1. That is certainly not required in my opinion. (and that is just my opinion)
It was only a few years ago that we got rid of the Royal Yacht Britannia. Now THERE was a money pit. It was staggering.
It is funny though, now that the UK public are told every year exactly what State travel and entertainment costs, they have all gone down!!! Strange that.
UAEflyer From United Arab Emirates, joined Nov 2006, 711 posts, RR: 0 Reply 47, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 3030 times:
Quoting EK345 (Reply 22): Do your homework before making assumptions. The truth is that he started by a $30,000 loan from his father and a $300,000 mortgage on his house. He initially brokered deals with foreign firms wishing to do business in Saudi Arabia, and made most of his wealth through the stock market and very wise investments. He did not acquire his wealth through your $4 contributions at the pump.
If someone works hard and makes a lot of money in return for their hard work, then they should be free to spend it as they wish. I don't mind that he is getting his own A380... good for him! He is more of a role model to me rather than someone I should hate and despise due to his success.
EK345
Best reply i see in this topic
Prince Alwaleed in amazing, he is always unique. Although he is not the richest man in the world but he in reality act better than all world leaders and the billionaires. How long he would live? why not spend as much as he could from his own money, why he should save for heirs and not enjoy it and feel the taste of his hand work.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 48, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 2947 times:
Quoting Smeg (Reply 44): He is the head of State, and decides to travel using a large jetliner, rather than on Commercial flights. This is his choice. Rather like another head of State that I could mention. (I seem to remember the last time GWB came here, there was not just one but two virtually identical very large jetliners, a myriad of helocopters and other military planes, cars etc.
Now, before anyone goes off on how vital it is for the US President to have all these vehicles, blah, blah, blah (discussed here a hundred times) could one not also give the Jordanian Government that same benefit of doubt and assume that there is a god reason for having this aircraft.
The governments and importance of both nations is apples to oranges on a GLOBAL scale. Let's put things into perspective here my friend. This is bound to be taken the wrong way.
Smeg From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2008, 156 posts, RR: 0 Reply 49, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 2755 times:
Quoting Lexy (Reply 48):
The governments and importance of both nations is apples to oranges on a GLOBAL scale. Let's put things into perspective here my friend. This is bound to be taken the wrong way.
I have said earlier, that II have absolutely no issue with the entourage that GWB carries with him, or with the fact that Jordan has a new State Transport. see below.
Quoting Smeg (Reply 44): The British Government and Royals tend to travel on Commercial flights. - Good for them. Does that mean that they are right and the US/Jordan are wrong? Not at all. It is an operational choice made by the respective Governments who have a hell of a lot more information than we do.
All I did was ask that others have the same open mind with regards to the Jordan State transport. Nothing more. They feel that they need it, they paid for it, and the only people who are really entitled to have a problem with it are Jordanian citizes.
Smeg From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2008, 156 posts, RR: 0 Reply 50, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 2698 times:
Quoting Lexy (Reply 48):
The governments and importance of both nations is apples to oranges on a GLOBAL scale. Let's put things into perspective here my friend. This is bound to be taken the wrong way.
I have said earlier, that I have absolutely no issue with the entourage that GWB carries with him (my taxes did not go to pay for it), or with the fact that Jordan has a new State Transport. see below.
Quoting Smeg (Reply 44): The British Government and Royals tend to travel on Commercial flights. - Good for them. Does that mean that they are right and the US/Jordan are wrong? Not at all. It is an operational choice made by the respective Governments who have a hell of a lot more information than we do.
All I did was ask that others have the same open mind with regards to the Jordan State transport. Nothing more. They feel that they need it, they paid for it, and the only people who are really entitled to have a problem with it are Jordanian citizens.
Airbazar From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 4144 posts, RR: 9 Reply 52, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2509 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 31): But is it so that other aircraft used by the President are not equipped with similar communication and security devices compared to the Air Force One?
There is nothing on the 747 that couldn't be put on a 737 as far as communications and security. The only reason the president of the US uses a 747 is because it's the biggest airplane made in the US. It's all for show and wasting tax dollars and little else.
Viscount724 From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 11635 posts, RR: 13 Reply 53, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2492 times:
Quoting Par13del (Reply 19): If this is a new build a/c why all the windows, if its for the Royal's I would think the windows would re configured to work with the interior, how many windows do you need in your bedroom, boardroom, excersize room, conference room, kitchens etc.
I had the same thought. Was this aircraft originally ordered as a VIP aircraft or was it perhaps originally ordered by another airline and cancelled? All the windows seem unusual for a VIP aircraft. Compare with a VIP A340-500 with the Qatar Amiri Flight and note all the plugged windows.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 54, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 2426 times:
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 52): There is nothing on the 747 that couldn't be put on a 737 as far as communications and security. The only reason the president of the US uses a 747 is because it's the biggest airplane made in the US. It's all for show and wasting tax dollars and little else.
That is totally, TOTALLY wrong. There are a number of things on AF1 that would take up too much space in a 737. You must have not seen the AF1 special on the History Channel last week. If you did, it would be painfully obvious why they use 747's.
You do realize though, they have 757's in the fleet and POTUS has been known to utilize them as AF1. FWIW.
There are many reasons why a 747 wsa chosen as the POTUS aircraft. I really think some study on your part is needed here.
The amount of ignorance on this forum never ceases to amaze me.
Maxisno1 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2007, 210 posts, RR: 0 Reply 55, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 2308 times:
Quoting HECA (Reply 18): The A346 doesn't seem to have the special security features of the A342 though:
What good would a missile detection system do on a A340? Do they plan on doing barrel rolls?
Quoting AirNZ (Reply 24): So why criticise when you don't even know basic facts
Whether or not they are an oil producing country is irrelevant. I have been on a 600' and I know the sheer size is something to write home about. His/her majesty, whatever, I couldn't care less.
Quoting Airbazar (Reply 14):
Why does the president of the US need a 747? He can get anywhere he wants to go with a BBJ.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 56, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2266 times:
Actually, it isn't a good point because he has a very large number of things that HAS to travel with him. Press Corp, Security, Advisors, etc. Plus, to fullfill the role that the United States Air Force has set forth for the Presidential Air Corp, a 737 wouldn't do unless it was in an emergency situation. There are alot of factors at play here that frankly, many people outside of the US don't have a clue about. Were not talking about just any other President here. I don't mean that in a bad way towards anyone, but POTUS is a bit higher on the profile and influence radar than most. Let's be honest here.
Atlturbine From United States of America, joined Aug 2008, 134 posts, RR: 18 Reply 57, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2237 times:
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Quoting Airbazar (Reply 52): There is nothing on the 747 that couldn't be put on a 737 as far as communications and security. The only reason the president of the US uses a 747 is because it's the biggest airplane made in the US. It's all for show and wasting tax dollars and little else.
So you are aware of all the communication & security provisions of Air Force One? Im certain the Secret Service would enjoy talking to you for a bit. There is so much nievatity in that statement I will not comment further.
"To the World you might be One Person, but to One Person you might be the World"
Skyfellow From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 58, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2238 times:
Quoting Maxisno1 (Reply 55): Why does the president of the US need a 747? He can get anywhere he wants to go with a BBJ.
A valid point!
I think we need to realize that the President of the United States travels with a lot of staff on just about any visit. So the 747 that he flies is not driven by his ego to show off but simply the need for space to accomodate the staff that he and this country relies on every day.
I do not think anyone disagrees that a BBJ could take our President anywhere. It just so happens that it simply is not the reason at all for chosing the 747 over the 737.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 59, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2229 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 33): Wish the Discovery Channel could throw a documentary on this one day
Partner, you haven't been paying attention to your cable tv channels have you?
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 61, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2215 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 58): I think we need to realize that the President of the United States travels with a lot of staff on just about any visit. So the 747 that he flies is not driven by his ego to show off but simply the need for space to accomodate the staff that he and this country relies on every day.
I do not think anyone disagrees that a BBJ could take our President anywhere. It just so happens that it simply is not the reason at all for chosing the 747 over the 737.
Precisely. Both AF1's are able to carry no more than 80 people on board as well. It's not like a typical 747 carrying 300 people across the pacific.
I think many people outside the US, and even inside it, just have no clue when it comes to some of this stuff.
Atlturbine From United States of America, joined Aug 2008, 134 posts, RR: 18 Reply 63, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2195 times:
Quoting Skyfellow (Reply 33): Thanks for the clarification. I realize it could be quite a circus when our President ventures out on an official visit. I never did know, however, that C-5 Galaxies had anything to do with these visits like you point out. But I can believe that. Wish the Discovery Channel could throw a documentary on this one day .
Viscount724 From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 11635 posts, RR: 13 Reply 64, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2114 times:
Quoting Lexy (Reply 61): Both AF1's are able to carry no more than 80 people on board as well. It's not like a typical 747 carrying 300 people across the pacific.
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2333 posts, RR: 8 Reply 65, posted (1 year 5 months 1 week 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2093 times:
Quoting Viscount724 (Reply 64): The USAF quotes their capacity as 26 crew and 102 passengers.
Well I stand corrected then. I don't know where I got the "80" from, but I thought I heard it on the AF1 special on Monday they had last week on tv. None the less, that is still considerably less than a typical 747.
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IIRC the A342 had the missile protection system fitted at LHT.
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