hawktb9

Hmmm... Now that you mention the "In Case Of Emergency," I would have to say that it would be best if POTUS used a modified C-17 for AF1. It's got the requisite 4 engines, and has BETTER capabilities than a 747-400. Don't get me wrong. I love the 747-400. It's just too easily recognizable whereas you park a C-17 amongst other C-17s, nobody would know who is on what plane. :) Rather than use just use a select number of airports, the C-17 can go almost anywhere.

I'm quite surprised that people are overlooking the 777 as a possible airframe for AF1. What's wrong with it? Sure, it's got 2 engines, and yet it actually outperforms a fully loaded 747-400 both on takeoff and landing. The beauty of the 777-200ER is that with in-flight refueling, it would TRULY be a trans-global aircraft. Another thing that people may find fault with using the 777 for AF1 is that it's simply too big. Well, the 787 is just about the same size as the 767-300, and yet, the added benefit of the 777 is that it can carry MORE. Using the GE90s on the 777 airframe not only maximizes its economy, it also takes advantage of the ONE big thing that people often overlook: noise. That's just my two pennies.