Boeing VC-25a Air Force One

Boeing VC-25a Air Force One SAM 28000

Boeing VC-25a Air Force One. The Boeing VC-25a is the military designation of the 747-200Bs. They are highly modified from the original civilian 747-200B airframes. There are two of them – SAM 28000 and SAM 29000. They were introduced into Presidential service on August 23, 1990. Their interiors were designed by First Lady Nancy Reagan. She gave them an American Southwest decor that is still in place as of February 2020, when I was last in one of the planes. The two airplanes are virtually identical, inside and out.

The interior is very well cared for, still looking quite fresh even though it is now almost 30 years old. I am frequently ask how fancy the interior is with the expectation that it is quite posh. Actually, it isn’t posh. The front third of the airplane is as nice as a Hilton Hotel. Nice and tasteful, but not posh. The middle of the airplane is tastefully functional with medical, meeting and communication rooms. That is where the White House staff and the secret service are seated. The back of the airplane, where the press sits, is like business class in most 747 airliners. 

The way that the airplane’s interior is configured, it can accommodate a bit more than 70 passengers. One interesting thing is the carpet. In the rear, where the press is seated, the carpet is an industrial grade carpet. As you go forward in the airplane, the carpet keeps getting better until you get to the front of the cabin. The front is considered part of the White House and has beige carpet with gold stars in it. When riding in the Boeing VC-25a Air Force One, you know where you are supposed to be by the carpet. You do not go forward onto the better carpet unless you are asked to do so.