Xi Jinping Has His Own Version of Air Force One. This Is How China Outpaced the U.S. With Its Presidential Aircraft

China is one of the world’s leading economic and military powers. As such, when Chinese President Xi Jinping travels abroad on a state visit, a complex security operation is implemented. This operation covers everything from transportation to personal protection. It’s all designed to minimize risks and ensure that the diplomatic agenda runs smoothly.

For particularly complex trips, China deploys a fleet of Boeing 747s. According to Simple Flying, one plane is reserved for Xi, another for his accompanying staff, and a third for cargo, including the presidential limousine. This logistical arrangement is similar to the approach the U.S. uses for President Donald Trump’s official trips.

China and the U.S. Choose Boeing

Boeing is facing challenging times, yet it continues to manufacture some of the world’s most iconic airplanes. A prime example is the Boeing 747, which has been in service since 1970 and is still regarded as a benchmark in aviation. Both the U.S. and China have selected this aircraft to transport their presidents, making it a crucial component of international travel.

Trump has access to two Boeing 747-200Bs (VC-25), which have been in service since the 1990s. These planes have undergone extensive modifications to function as effective command centers in the air. They feature private suites, offices, meeting rooms, and advanced communication and defense systems to ensure the highest level of security.

Xi travels in a Boeing 747-8, which is a more modern version than the one used by Trump. This aircraft was delivered in December 2014 but didn’t receive its VVIP configuration until 2016. However, detailed information about these specific modifications for presidential transport remains scarce.

Although it bears the state-owned airline Air China logo, the aircraft is exclusively reserved for Xi and serves as his personal hub in the air. The Chinese government mandates that Air China maintain commercial aircraft available for official functions when necessary.

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China uses a Boeing 747-8 for personnel transport and a Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft for logistical support. The Boeing 747-400 carries the Hongqi N701, Xi’s armored limousine. It’s considered the Chinese equivalent of the American presidential state car known as “The Beast.” In the U.S., the vehicle travels on a C-17 Globemaster III, a military cargo plane also built by Boeing.

While there’s currently no confirmed plan for a replacement, China may look to substitute its U.S.-built Boeing presidential aircraft with a domestically produced alternative. The country has successfully developed the COMAC C919, a narrow-body aircraft, and is currently working on the C929, a wide-body model that could serve as a viable candidate.

For years, the U.S. has been attempting to replace its presidential Boeing 747-200Bs with Boeing 747-8s, but the process has encountered numerous delays. In this context, Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl has suggested that the White House consider moving beyond the 747 and opt for a special version of the Overture, its supersonic aircraft currently in development.

Images | Hugo LUC | Air Force | Asuspine

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