Inside US President Joe Biden’s Air Force One plane

Air Force One is one the most recognisable planes in the world, with its iconic Kennedy-era blue-and-white design. But do you know what’s inside?

Air Force One is one of the most recognisable planes in the world – and you’ve likely seen more of it as US president Joe Biden hops on and off while campaigning for the upcoming presidential election.

The 800,000-pound flying fortress extends the power of the White House into the skies. But what many people may not realise is there’s two, identical aircraft.

The 800,000-pound flying fortress extends the power of the White House into the skies. Picture: Adam Schultz/ Official White House

The presidential air transport fleet consists of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200B’s, tail numbers 28000 and 29000 – VC-25A.

The planes first carried president George H.W. Bush, who served from 1989-1993, before having flown George Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now Biden.

‘Air Force One’ is the call sign of any aircraft carrying the President, however, today the call sign is used to refer to one of the two jets.

Former US president George W. Bush gives a thumbs alongside Laura Bush as they board Air Force One in 2004.

Former president Bill Clinton and Hillary stepping off Air Force One after arriving at Sydney Airport for the start of his then Aussie tour in 1996.

But while it’s one of the most famous planes in the world, boasting the iconic Kennedy-era blue-and-white design, what’s often not known is what’s on the interior.

Most footage and photos we see are of presidents climbing the stairs, getting to the top and looking back as they give a wave before heading inside.

But what awaits them inside is basically a mobile White House in the sky.

As they step foot inside, in this case, Mr Biden, he’s greeted with his very own extensive suite that features a large office, lavatory and conference room.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden disembark Air Force One as he arrives at Harrisburg International Airport on July 7, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Picture: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via AFP

Inside the three-level, 4000 square foot aircraft, is also a medical suite that can function as an operating room and a doctor is permanently on board.

So with the president currently battling Covid – rest-assured there was a doctor by his side, before announcing he will be self-isolating at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Meanwhile, the plane’s two food preparation galleys can feed 100 people at a time.

There’s also reportedly 85 telephones and numerous televisions.

There's actually two Air Force One aircraft that are identical. They're heavily modified Boeing 747-200B’s, tail numbers 28000 and 29000.

Former president Donald Trump said in a 2018 press conference, “Air Force One has about 20 televisions.”

The aircraft, according to the official White House site, is also capable of refuelling midair and has unlimited range – meaning it can carry Biden wherever he needs to travel.

“The on-board electronics are hardened to protect against an electromagnetic pulse, and Air Force One is equipped with advanced secure communications equipment, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command centre in the event of an attack on the United States,” the site reads.

The aircraft has three levels with 4000 square feet of floor space and features a conference and dining room for meetings. Picture: Adam Schultz

President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, and members of the senior staff listen to a briefing in the conference room on Air Force One en route to Houston, Texas in 2021. Picture: White House Photo by Adam Schultz

It also has quarters for those who accompany the president, including senior advisers. Picture: Adam Schultz/White House

It also has quarters for those who accompany the president, including senior advisers, Secret Service officers, travelling media and other guests.

On top of that, several cargo planes typically fly ahead of Air Force One to provide the President with vehicles and services needed in remote locations.

There’s medical suite that can function as an operating room and a doctor is permanently on board. Pictured is medical annex on board in 2015. Picture: ABC News

Presidential Airlift Group maintains and operates Air Force One – it is part of the White House Military Office.

“The Airlift Group was founded in 1944 as the Presidential Pilot Office at the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt,” the site reads.

Trump with his infamous fist-bump as arrives at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California on March 30, 2023. Picture: Mandel ngan / AFP

US President Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama step off Air Force One upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in March this year. Picture: Brendan smialowski / AFP

“For the next 15 years, various propeller-driven aircraft served the President until President Dwight D. Eisenhower flew to Europe aboard VC-137A, a Boeing 707 Stratoliner, in August 1959.

Biden disembarks Air Force One at Warsaw Chopin International Airport in Warsaw in March 2022. Picture: Adam Schultz/Official White House

“In 1962, President John F. Kennedy became the first President to fly in a jet specifically built for presidential use — a modified Boeing 707. Over the years, several other jet aircraft have been used, with the first of the current aircraft being delivered in 1990 during the administration of President George H.W. Bush.”

But, as of 2027 and 2028, the aircraft will be replaced with two new Boeings, that according to Simple Flying, will feature updated iterations of several critical features of its predecessor; deliver a secure command centre for executive operations, keep the aircraft aloft indefinitely via air-to-air refuelling, and be able to land at airports worldwide with minimal to non-existent facilities thanks to a self-contained baggage loader and front and aft airstairs.