This one knocks us out of the park. We know that planes can fly us across oceans. But, for the AFO, the plane can fly halfway across the world. That’s around 12,000 miles. To reach such an endeavor, the plane can carry around 52,000 gallons of fuel. With a full tank, that’s enough fuel to get it halfway around the world.
Air Force One is an impressive piece of equipment, but it is not the only one. Have a look at this list of the world’s most impressive presidential airplanes, their amazing features, and how much they cost.
Seal of Approval
Air Force One would take the honors if the Presidency had a logo. It was constructed and designed to be an intimate and noticeable presence wherever it flies or sits. It's difficult to get the plane confused with another, as it's clearly labeled with the words "United States of America," with a picture of the American flag and the Seal of the President of the United States. Its blue color is certainly eye-catching and was chosen thanks to President JFK’s love of the color blue.
The airplane must always keep up its appearance because it is a symbol of America and the president who is riding in it. The status of the plane is also a symbol of the United State’s military and economic power and strength and is unrivaled for the most part.
Custom Ride
Air Force One is a shared collaboration between three key parties: The White House, Secret Service, and Boeing. It needs to be produced up to the standards of Boeing, have the safety measures ascribed by the Secret Service, and have the operational efficiency set forth by the White House.
The purchase of a plane can be made only in the second term of a current president so that president can’t just use the plane they chose. Could you imagine every new president choosing a new plane, changing design and decor? We don't think so. They have more important things to take care of.
Mexico's Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner – $600 million
Surpassing the famous Air Force One in cost and performance, this beautiful Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner is the world's most expensive plane, at a whopping $600 million. It was the official presidential aircraft for Mexico's ex-president, Enrique Peña Nieto, until Lopez Obrador succeeded him. This marvelous piece of equipment can fly 10,000 miles without refueling and sit up to 250 passengers. Oh, and if you're ever in the mood to make a quick trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo, you can take this baby and fly without stopping!
As if the price wasn't high enough, the aircraft costs another $100,000 a year to maintain! Any aviation enthusiast would be in awe of this groundbreaking airplane, but it's caused a stir among Mexican natives, and understandably so, since the levels of poverty and corruption in the country are soaring, and spending $600 million on a plane instead of fixing social issues is not the best way to gain the people's respect and support. Regardless, it's an outstanding piece of machinery.
Germany's Airbus A340-313X VIP – $306 million
Germany did a fantastic job at recycling a former Lufthansa Airbus A340 and converting it into a luxurious space, complete with rooms and technology. Even though Primer Minister Angela Merkel has several other airplanes at her disposal, this is the most famous one, and at $300 million, the most expensive one, too. The aircraft is officially known as the Konrad Adenauer, after the first Chancellor of Germany. All of Merkel's airplanes have the most advanced anti-missile defense technology.
The cool thing about this particular presidential aircraft is that, as we mentioned above, it was completely remodeled and turned into a modern personal jet for government officials. The aircraft can hold up to 150 passengers, and, like the other planes at her disposal, it is fully equipped with extravagant bedrooms, showers, offices, and an impressive conference room. Another impressive feature is that this aircraft counts with additional fuel tanks that allow it to fly non-stop for up to 13,000 km.