Even though it cost a whopping $90 million, Taiwan’s presidential aircraft has very modest interiors (at least when compared to its international counterparts). It seems elegance and professionalism were Taiwan’s main priorities regarding Tsai Ing-wen’s air transportation.
But don’t be fooled; this modest Boeing 737 counts with an onboard satellite that allows perfect communication with anywhere in the world during flights. Regarding Southeast Asian aircraft, airports, and air services, they can only provide the best. If you get an opportunity to fly a regular economy flight operated by Taiwan Airways, we can almost guarantee that there will be no going back.
USA's Doomsday Plane (Modified Boeing 747) – $220 million
We've all heard of the famous Air Force One, but surely you didn't expect the leader of the free world to be content with just one plane? The US president has another outstanding piece of equipment at his disposal: the Doomsday Plane. Just like its eerie name suggests, this plane is to be used in case of emergencies and as a getaway vehicle in the most dangerous situations.
Now, this airplane is what we would call a technological marvel. As we said, it is to be used in the worst-case scenario. Not only can this airplane be in the air for 620 hours straight, but it can also go days without refueling. It has thermo-radiation shields surrounding the plane to protect it in case of a nuclear war. What's more, the equipment on the plane is so refined and advanced that it has the power to perfectly communicate with the outside world. Oh, and it needs a special air conditioning system in order to keep all the equipment in a perfect state. Let's hope we don't see this baby in the sky anytime soon, though.
Italy's Airbus A319CJ – $90 million
Italy's presidential aircraft is an Airbus A319 Corporate Jet (CJ). It is a classic model used by President Sergio Mattarella, and even though, as far as presidential planes go, it isn't particularly ostentatious, it is still an impressive piece of equipment with a very tasteful and classic European interior.
This $90 million airplane fits 30 passengers, but as it turns out, the Italian Air Force uses another 2 Corporate Jets! Guess the Italians are not so modest, after all. The Airbus A319 is flanked by two other equally impressive aircraft, which have 50 seats each. These are usually reserved for government officials.
Brazil's Airbus A319 – $81 million
With its national colors of green and yellow, the Brazilian presidential Airbus exudes a Latin American flare. At $81 million, this aircraft is a fine piece of machinery, and we're sure Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil's new president, is more than happy flying around in it. It is known as the Santos-Dumont, named after a Brazilian inventor and aviation pioneer.
The Brazilian Airbus consists of three separate sections. One is for residential use exclusively. It consists of a big office, a stunning master suite, and a security room. Another section is for media guests, and the third is for guests of honor. It is decorated in a simple yet elegant style.
Russia's Ilyushin IL-96-300 – $50 million
It's not surprising that a world superpower like Russia would have an equally powerful presidential aircraft. President Vladimir Putin's main means of aerial transportation is an Ilyushin IL-96-300, and it cost around $50 million. But that's only for the airplane itself; redecorating the interiors was a whole other story.
The interior of this magnificent aircraft has a neoclassical style, combining gold and cream colors. The plane is comprised of Putin's luxurious master suite, which includes a grand, king-sized bed, a spacious bathroom with a gold-plated toilet, a very expensive private wine collection, a gym, and a war room complete with a gold-trimmed conference table and cream-colored leather seats. No wonder Putin is rumored to have clocked in more air miles than all other Russian presidents put together; who wouldn't want to fly around in this thing?!