Explore the private jets of world leaders

(Baonghean.vn) - The world's most powerful leaders often show their "class" through the number, capacity, size and value of their private planes. Below are some of the most prominent planes of world leaders.

1. The US President's plane

Air Force One of the President of the United States.

The US President's aircraft is Air Force One (two Boeing 747-200Bs, also known as VC-25As, and one Boeing C-32). Estimated value: $1 billion.

The name "Air Force One" was created in 1953. Air Force One is currently equipped with extremely modern and absolutely confidential communications and security systems, allowing the US president to conduct normal work while at an altitude of 13 km.

The plane has 87 different phone lines, including 28 top secret encrypted lines. It can be considered a mobile command center for the president in the event of an attack on the United States.

The US President's plane also has high defense capabilities thanks to its built-in anti-missile equipment, as well as protection against electromagnetic pulses and nuclear bombs. Air Force One is often used with Marine One, the helicopter that transports the president to the airport in case traveling by car is not suitable.

Air Force One is the most famous presidential plane in the world. Among US presidents, Donald Trump owns the oldest plane with two VC-25As that are more than 25 years old.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was the first to design the VC-25A’s interior, and it has been refined over time. The 370-square-foot cabin includes a bedroom, bathroom, office, and even a gym.

2. The Russian President's plane

TheIl-96-300PU - the plane of the President of Russia.

The Russian President's plane, the Il-96-300PU, serves as the Russian President's office and airborne command post when he travels.

Since 1996, the Ilyushin Il-96-300PU has been used as the Russian presidential aircraft thanks to its high reliability and safety. Since its entry into service in 1993, the Il-96-300 has only suffered one fatal accident. The safety rate of the Il-96-300PU has been further enhanced by the special maintenance and inspection procedures of the Russian presidential service unit.

Each Il-96-300PU carries an electronic device in a separate box on the back of the aircraft, capable of transmitting special encrypted messages from anywhere in the world. This ensures communication between the Russian President and government and military officials, and maintains the ability to order a nuclear response in the event of a preemptive attack on Russia.

In addition, the Il-96-300PU aircraft is said to carry a variety of jamming and warning systems, helping to neutralize threats such as air-to-air missiles.

The private jet also has a small gym, guest restrooms, a dining room, a bar, showers and a health room with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The Il-96-300PU is also equipped with a hidden elevator in the fuselage.

3. The German Chancellor's private plane

Airbus A340-313 of the German Chancellor.

The Airbus A340-313 is also known as Konrad Adenauer (named after the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany).Airbus A340-313 private jet is worth 238 million USD.

This aircraft is characterized by three main colors on the body: yellow, black and red, which are also the three symbolic colors of Germany. Konrad Adenauer is capable of flying continuously for more than 13,000 km in the sky.

The aircraft can accommodate 143 passengers with some rooms designed only for resting. In addition, this aircraft also has a VIP room to serve special important figures such as the Prime Minister.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is a lucky woman. Her private jet fleet includes four Airbuses, one Bombardier and one helicopter. The two planes she uses most often are called Konrad Adenauer and Theodor Heuss, each worth $300 million.

However, depending on the distance traveled, Mrs. Merkel can choose between a Eurocopter AS532 helicopter (for short trips), a Bombardier Global 5000 aircraft worth 70 million USD or 2 Airbus A319-133X CJ.

4. The French President's plane

French Air Sarko One. Photo: AFP

The Airbus A330-200, worth $240 million, is the private jet for French leaders. The Airbus A330-200 is equipped with twin engines, a wide body, and a takeoff weight of 242 tons.

This Airbus A330-200 is a "second-hand" aircraft purchased by the French government from Caribbean Airlines. The French media nicknamed this plane Air Sarko One.

The plane is equipped with anti-missile technology, a secure communications system and a double bedroom with a shower located right behind the cockpit. There is also a smoking room equipped with a special air filtration system, allowing the president to enjoy a cigar comfortably.

In addition, this plane has also been upgraded with LED lighting, modern interior, spacious seats and some private resting areas for the crew. With a capacity of up to 247 passengers, the French president's plane can serve long meetings in the air, typical of international leaders.

Next to these dedicated rooms is an area with 60 business class seats for the presidential entourage, including ministers, assistants and specialized reporters. Flight attendants and those less closely connected to the president sit in a cramped area at the back of the plane with 12 economy class seats.

5. The Chinese President's private plane

The plane of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese President's plane is a Boeing 747-400 with registration number B-2472. Unlike "Air Force One" - the US President's private plane which is equipped with the most modern facilities, these planes are operated by China's national airline Air China.

The upper deck of the B-2472. This is where the Chinese leader usually sits and is more like a business class cabin than a luxury hotel as many people think. The interior of the Chinese president's cabin has a living room, bedroom and office, taking up a third of the total space.

The lower deck of the plane has two cabins. Government officials accompanying Xi will sit in first class. The other cabin is reserved for the Chinese leader's entourage, including interpreters, bodyguards, and reporters.

The aircraft, which cost $380 million, first flew from Boeing's Everett factory, was upgraded in Hamburg in May 2015, and continued testing in October 2016. Until his visit to the US in April this year, Mr. Xi had been using a Boeing 747-400 commercial aircraft.

The most recent test flight was in April when the plane flew from Beijing to Chengdu and back without landing. It covered a total of 3,400km in nearly six hours. The Boeing 747-8 is said to be able to fly 14,000km without refueling.

Peace

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