Photos: Air Force One Visits Seattle (the President too)

Air Force One arriving at King County International Airport on October 9, 2015 -Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

There are few aircraft as readily identifiable as the 747-200B/VC-25 known as Air Force One (even though there are actually two of them; more on that in a bit). The aircraft is designed to ferry the President of the United States, other elected and government officials, VIPs, and the White House press corps, anywhere in the world and in high style.

Any aircraft in which the president is flying carries the call sign Air Force One. But it's the two VC-25s that are the flagship aircraft most of the world will immediately recognize as being the primary mode of transport for the current US president.

President Obama arriving in Seattle via Air Force One – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

Suffice it to say that, wherever Air Force One shows up, interest (and security) are high. For the recent Seattle visit, on October 9th, local AvGeek interest was strong, and at least one of the sanctioned airport viewing areas was kept open for public viewing.

Speaking of security, there are two identical VC-25s, one with tail number 28000 and the other 29000. Whenever the president is traveling on one of them, the other is usually stationed somewhere in the region nearby as a backup. There are duplicate sets of presidential motorcade vehicles as well.

Below is a series of images from the president's recent three-hour fundraising visit to Seattle.

Air Force One taxiing at King County International Airport, Seattle. – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

Although media wasn't allowed to tour the aircraft, some interior appointments were tantalizingly visible from the media viewing platform.

We'll leave a light on for you. Air Force One on the tarmac at BFI. – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

As the president's scheduled departure time neared, the aircraft was prepared for departure.

A crew member aboard Air Force One closes the airstairs – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

The president always boards the aircraft via the front cabin door; everyone else boards from a set of airstairs in the aft section.

President Obama boarding Air Force One in Seattle – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

The aircraft departed Seattle for San Francisco, bound for yet more fundraising events.

Air Force One departing from KBFI in Seattle  – Photo: Francis Zera | Airline Reporter

 

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