How does Xi Jinping’s ‘special plane’ compare with Air Force One?
Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington this week, attention is already turning to the aircraft that will carry him and how it stacks up against America’s famous presidential plane. The aircraft carrying China’s leader, often referred to in state media and official statements as a zhuan ji, or special plane, remains far less known to the world than Air Force One, despite both…
Chinese President Xi Jinping travels aboard a "special plane," a less known term compared to America's Air Force One. Both countries utilize Boeing 747s for presidential travel, but the comparison between the two planes is limited due to China's minimal public disclosure of such information. Air Force One, the US presidential aircraft, is a highly customized Boeing 747-200B, designated VC-25A, with a spacious cabin and advanced security systems.
It is permanently configured for presidential travel, featuring a presidential suite, ministerial and senior official accommodations, media and staff areas, and advanced communication systems. In contrast, China's aircraft for Xi's overseas trips have been sourced from Air China's fleet, specially prepared for presidential travel, but without much public detail.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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