See firsthand how the US president travels by touring an exact replica of Air Force One
A new interactive museum that is an exact replica of the president's plane has opened at a Rhode Island airport
FORGET Business Class – the only way to really fly round the world is on the US president’s private plane.
A new interactive museum that is built as an exact replica of Air Force One has opened at a Rhode Island airport, and it makes even First Class look pitiful.
The plane is part of the Children’s Democracy Project, which aims to connect children with the principles of American democracy through a "relatable and exciting experience."
Using the memories of flight attendant Howie Franklin, a team of more than 150 people spent two years building the copycat.
Howie served five presidents on Air Force One over a period of 18 years.
He told reporters at the launch: "It’s something that excites you any place in the world. Any place in the world. If you can imagine you’re the leader of some country and this plane lands, images are vital.”
The inside of the plane has been built to look exactly like the current interior of the president’s plane.
A tour of the plane gives an insider’s view of how the president travels the world.
There are private sleeping quarters for the president, with two separate single sofa beds, as well as other quarters for advisors, the Secret Service and the media.
Two large galleys can provide a full meal for up to 100 travellers at a time.
There is also a full medical suite – staffed by 24/7 doctors – which can turn into an operating theatre.
In the museum version of the Air Force One, there are also rare presidential artefacts - some from the days of Washington and Lincoln.
There are also tour exhibits that will make you relive the fascinating progression of the democratic process.
The museum will be open for visitors at Quonset Airport until the end of next month, it will then be displayed in New York next year before finding a permanent residence in Washington DC.
