I know several heads of state have some impressive modes of transit, but apart from the famous pair of VC-25s that our President jets around in, I can’t recall ever hearing about any Air Force One-type aircraft used by non-USAian heads of state. I imagine that some of the wealthier nations of the world might have something as awesome as a pimped-out 747 (or its Eastern Bloc equivalent), but what about less-wealthy nations? Some of these countries lack the GDP to support a significant airforce (though for a leader of such a nation to coopt a disproportionately large share of the GDP for his own benefit is hardly unheard of), so I imagine a large, multi-engine airliner outfitted with all the best in luxuries might be out of the question.
Basically, when the Prime Minister of Kerplackistan wants to drop by Camp David for a round of golf with George W., what does he fly in? Does he have his own Learjet — same principle as Air Force One, but on a smaller and more economical scale? Or would this hypothetical head honcho use chartered commercial flights, with appropriate security details?
In the UK Tony Blair authorised the purchase of two aircraft, inevitably dubbed ‘Blair Force One’, for the use of the Queen and the PM. However, Gordon Brown has since apparently vetoed the idea.
Part of the problem is where do they get these aircraft? China recently ordered a fully fitted out 767 as their Air Force 1. It was customized in Texas. No one can be terribly surprised that the plane’s interior was also equipped with bugs.
So, China’s problem is that they can’t be sure what they get is safe. Other nations with fewer resources have even more of a problem. Of course the simplest thing is to go ahead and just make sure that nothing classified is discussed on board. But it doesn’t make for a relaxing flight passing slips of paper around.
Dewey Finn’s link pretty much answers the question, but I’ll just add that for me the most impressive fleet of small-country VIP aircraft is Brunei’s. The Sultan apparently can choose from any of a 747-430, Airbus A340, 767 or several smaller aircraft. Gotta imagine they’re fairly well appointed inside. Saw the 340 once on the ramp in Aberdeen, UK but sadly was not invited aboard.
I’ve actually flown several times in Sweden’s former Queen’s aircraft, the Saab 340. While it’s a very nice aircraft with a leather interior and 2 tables, it’s otherwise totally unremarkable. The head is so small you have to do some contorting to do your business.
I knew I should have checked that fount of all knowledge, Wikipedia, before posting this…!
Also, I’ve heard unsubstantiated rumors that someone’s buying an A380 for his own private use. Good God, that thing’s gotta be expensive! What do you do with two decks worth of airliner? Put a jogging track on board? And how many airports have enough runway to allow that beast to land, let alone park at a gate?
They can steal missile technology but they can’t duplicate a mahogany fold out desk? I don’t know why but that makes me laugh. Maybe we should make it a closely guarded secret.
The French president flight is the “military air transport command number one”, abbreviated COTAM1 (might be any of several planes/choppers).
Almost never mentioned by name in France, contrarily to, apparently, Air Force one in the USA.
No idea if this still happens, but in an episode of Yes Prime Minister it is suggested that smaller states simply charter a large plane from somewhere and have it painted as “Kerplackistan Airways” even if no such company exists.
Anecdote time! To understand this, you need to know two things. First, seating on domestic flights in Norway is rarely if ever assigned, and goes first come, first served. Second, at the time this happened, a cup of coffee was always served on short domestic flights here, with a wee little bar of milk chocolate on the side.
Anyway, many years ago, fella bilong missus flodnak took a late afternoon flight from Trondheim to Oslo. Boarding started a bit early and as they came on board passengers found that the first few rows of seats on both sides of the aircraft were marked with “Reserved” signs. If you didn’t see those signs, the rows were further blocked with rope barriers. Now, it isn’t unusual to see signs saying “Reserved for Unaccompanied Minors” or “Reserved for Handicapped Passenger” or something, but this time the signs didn’t indicate what was going on.
Once all the other passengers were seated, a flight attendant removed the ropes and signs. At that point a group of suit-clad men including (then-)Crown Prince Harald boarded and took the reserved seats. When they were seated, the flight attendants closed the doors and began the usual safety presentation.
My fella’s seatmate muttered: “Okay. He can sit up front. But if he gets an extra chocolate, I’m going to lodge a protest.”
On a more serious note, a family member who used to work for the civil aviation authorities says this was and is standard practice for both the royal family and high-ranking members of government. They fly on regular scheduled flights when possible, but for security reasons are boarded last and seated at the front of the plane. The government recently (as in within the last few weeks) signed a leasing contract for a helicopter that they can also use when necessary, but I expect there will be an uproar if they start using it like their own little Air Force One.
I recall there was an uproar some years back when Her Majesty The Queen visited New Zealand and was basically put in the First Class Section of an scheduled Air New Zealand flight from London to Auckland, as opposed to being given her own, private aircraft for the trip.
I think I remember that. The BBC reality series Airport had an episode when the Queen was flying on a commercial flight (although I thought it was a Qantas flight to Australia) and they said that she took the entire first-class section, although the seats were removed so her “furniture” could be installed. On the show, the gate agents made point of letting the other passengers know about her presence and offering to put them on another flight if they were bothered by it.
The thing I thought was odd was that they put her flag (standard?) on the fuselage of the plane, as I remember above the cockpit. I wondered if it would still be intact when they landed.
The Royal Standard is only flown while the plane is on the ground - though Lord knows how they take it down just before take-off! Reach out the pilot’s window?
Generals and Admirals also get flags. As I understand it, military aircraft have a slot on the fuselage where you can insert a plaque with the flag design on it.
Hello,
I am a Loadmaster for the Navy. When we fly people of ranks from O-6 and higher we place their rank designation on the front entrance door. Also on the seats that they are supposed to sit in we place welcome aboard and their rank equivalent. I have flown the head of state of one of the Balkan states. I don’t remember which. All I remember was there was a lot of Secret Service on board. I hope that helps. Tony
