Biden to get new Air Force 1 worth $ 5.3 billion, 8 things to know about it

Joe Biden, the new president of the United States of America, cannot use the current Air Force 1, his official plane, for long.

They need to be upgraded and new ones are in the works, according to Business Insider Africa who cited various sources.

The report states that the current VC-25A Air Force 1, which must be replaced, made its maiden flight with George W Bush in 1990 and 1991.

Will they be the improved versions of those used by President Donald Trump and four of his predecessors?

A prototype of the new Air Force 1 for Joe Biden Credit: Airforce Mag
Source: UGC

Here are a few things to know about the new aircraft:

1. The new Air Force One aircraft are Boeing 747-8i, larger and more efficient than the current ones, and President Joe Biden would be the first passenger.

2. Even though it’s bigger, the new Air Force One is expected to lack key features compared to its predecessor.

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3. The plane costs $ 5.3 billion: citing DefenseOne, the amount includes the purchase of the plane as well as the completion of the interior, special modifications and a new hangar at Andrews Air Force Base in the Maryland.

However, the exact cost of the jets is believed to be kept under wraps.

4. Boeing does not build new planes like Air Force One from scratch. It is something like second hand. According to the report, a Boeing spokesperson told CNN that the company sold two 747-8i built and intended for delivery to a now defunct Russian airline, Transaero.

5. The plan to replace the current aircraft began under the administration of Barack Obama.

6. Barring further considerations, Trump had planned a color scheme for the new aircraft different from his current blue and white paint. He would have more red and white.

7. The new Air Force One will be able to fly non-stop to almost any continent from Washington. However, it cannot be refueled in flight.

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8. They will be much more fuel efficient and are expected to enter service in 2024.

YEN.com.gh reported earlier that the inauguration ceremony for President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday, January 20 will not be the only power transition for the Trump administration that will take place.

Another transition also occurred on several social media platforms shortly after they were sworn in as the 46th President and Vice President of the United States.