Airbus A380 Air Force One: Why It Never Happened

More than a decade ago, the US Air Force was on a mission to find a replacement for the aging VC-25A Boeing 747s often used to transport the president. Known as Air Force One when POTUS is onboard, the two jets have become relatively inefficient and difficult to maintain. In their search, the air force contemplated a few of modified Airbus A380s for the role. Here’s why it didn’t work out.
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[@imblack011]

The reason they didn't get an a380 af1 is because IT'S A FOREIGN PRODUCT

[@filledwithvariousknowledge1065]

No offence but what has Emirates got to do with this? Edit: For those unsure why I put this it’s because some tool tried brining Emirates into this even though this is about Air Force 1, not a normal airline

[@marv6017]

As I an American citizen, I am paying for those two planes as millions of other Americans. That 3.9 Billion price-tag better stay in the US...for sure!!

[@andersoncosta5526]

380 made in Europe not USA, end of.

[@imblack011]

@@andersoncosta5526 bruh isn't that what I just said

[@ariefbudi427]

Same case with KC 46 tanker. Boeing literally CRY to be chosen

[@NoName-lx5fo]

"Why it never happend" Short answer: It is not an amarican plane.

[@marv6017]

It better be an American plane!! I am paying, as millions of other Americans, for that 3.9 billion price tag!

[@NoName-lx5fo]

@@marv6017 Boeing can only survive because of the US orders. The biggest part are military planes and helecopter but also the Air Force One and other goverment orders. Airbus dosn't even get close to this massiv subsidy. So you pay taxes for overpriced aircrafts with many not necessary features.

[@coyotelong4349]

Yet they still considered it... Which suggests to me that’s not really the reason why. If they would never use a European plane, why consider one?

[@NoName-lx5fo]

@@coyotelong4349 I think that is a good way to get the price down. If there were no competition Boeing could make a way higher price. To be honest I don't even think that the A380 would be a good president aircraft because it needs long runways. The Boeing 747 isn't much better but I think the A350 or the B777 would be the best for this job. Good range and good economics and they don't need such a long runway.

[@DaveMiller2]

@@NoName-lx5fo Airbus is totally subsidized the the EU. They wouldn't be in business without that subsidy. The A380 Lost Airbus billions. The Eu govt covered the loss. They are no different than Boeing.

[@TenshiHara]

If I remeber corretly, Airbus pulled out of the deal because they would have had to surrender all technical specs of the aircraft to the US without a guarantee that these data would not be disclosed to Boeing. In the end, even if the US would have picked the A380, all maintenance, etc. would have had to be conducted in the US by her own military or civilian staff.

[@filledwithvariousknowledge1065]

Apart from the reasons people here have posted so far about it being not American as the reason, Airbus’ parent company EADS ruled this out in 2009 because assembling only 3 planes in the US would not make financial sense

[@John_.Cabell_.Breckinridge]

Yeah, also Airbus makes UH-72 helicopters for the US army

[@GCTWorks]

I would love to see a "civilian"/modified C-5 galaxy. That is a big plane.

[@geoffreyacree6797]

It was intended, the civilian aircraft was called the G500. There were concerns that airports of the time could not handle crowds of that size being dropped in all at once.

[@heathbauerle2787]

@@geoffreyacree6797 Breaking news, Gulfstream brings the C-5 Galaxy back to life.

[@bretkonsavage997]

As long as the civil equivalent doesn't also abort takeoff a third of the time and doesn't hog up the runway spooling engines for half an hour, sure.

[@comicus01]

@@bretkonsavage997 No shit. It's a maintenance nightmare.

[@quillmaurer6563]

From what I recall there wasn't thoughts of a passenger C-5 (maybe that could have come later, or it just wasn't a suitable design for passengers compared with those designed for passengers to begin with) but they did offer a commercial freight variant. Nobody bought it though, partially because it cost a lot more to operate than competing aircraft like 747 freighters. The C-5 was designed for a lot of specialized military capabilities, which in turn made it more complicated and expensive. They were horrendous in terms of maintenance, the landing gear in particular was notoriously troublesome. And they were slow compared with other large long-haul airliners. For all these reasons, for passengers or freight, the 747 was preferred. The 747 actually started out in development for the same contract as the C-5, in a high wing configuration. Once that contract went to Lockheed, Boeing developed their work into the airliner we all know.

[@snorlaxi5620]

lmao did people actually wonder why there would be no A380 AF1?? isnt it obvious???

[@TheStig_TG]

Cough cough *NOT AN AMERICAN BUILT PLANE* Cough cough

[@seanwojcik6068]

@@TheStig_TG could build it in South Carolina at airbus

[@TheStig_TG]

@@seanwojcik6068 but its by an *Non-AMERICAN COMPANY* so still not american design

[@airbus321]

@@TheStig_TG Not American built, but better

[@TheStig_TG]

@@airbus321 ehhhhh

[@mann2520]

For the record those 747 200s or VC25A are really beautiful especially in that blue livery

[@midge604]

Hopefully Biden will bring the old colour back.

[@derekinhawaii]

@@midge604 It's not possible to Brin the old color back. Trump Admin signed the deal. It would cost the taxpayers a huge sum of money to cancel the new colors. Frankly, II agree with you and most Americans probably do as well, but for the sake of Savin millions to not cancel the current contract, I'm ok with whatever color the plane is. It's not the colors that makes the deal or makes the President. It's the deal that makes the President and the people who voted for him/her...

[@midge604]

@@derekinhawaii its unfortunate, the previous colours were so iconic. When it flew here, Vancouver Canada, I went to see it and it was so impressive. The new colours look like they could be on any other airline flying today.

[@ScaryAppul-114]

@@midge604 it still looks pretty good tho

[@Dr.farazalam]

How about a livery inspired by Spirit Airlines?

[@bonelesswatermelon420]

The politics of the A380 would actually work both ways. From an article that I've read long before, one of the reasons that the A380 was shortlisted was because the US could not bear the possibility that there would be an even bigger presidential aircraft from another country, especially if one day a country like the People's Republic of China would fly an A380 as their presidential aircraft. It all boiled down to vanity.

[@themastorparty]

It’s easy. The US government would not want or should not want to use a non American made plane to transport their head of state. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@louispenzhorn2676]

Ft ft

[@Embargoman]

Yeah but with Boeing’s troubles with the 737 MAX after a 737 MAX crashes in Japan and Mitsubishi gets into the game, then Air Force One will end up being built in Alabama, because this will happen when Boeing goes out of business. That means after Boeing goes out of business as it lose competition with a Japanese competitor is when you see an Airbus A380 being built in Mobile, Alabama will be made for the US president.

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

They always have to give Boeing a kick in the ass, pretend that they're shopping around.

[@timothycook2917]

It's not really pretend, by law there has to be some type of competition in the bidding process. Its all just a formality

[@sparqqling]

@@timothycook2917 It is pretending, because if Airbus wins (like with the tanker) they quickly change the rules.

[@vacuumcleanerexplorer4406]

LaNguAGe

[@Embargoman]

If a Japanese competitor comes means more jobs for Alabama, on what will be a pipe dream coming true when Boeing goes out of business as Airbus have a facility in Mobile, Alabama. This means the return of the Airbus A380 starts in Mobile, Alabama ever since a Japanese competitor begins to take Boeing out of business.

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

@@Embargoman This is a very bizarre fantasy, on many levels. Also the Japanese tend to work with and make many parts for Boeing, so...

[@inomad]

2:54 U.S. presidents have not just been driven in Cadillacs. There used to be Lincoln cars for the President.

[@CCscott]

Ought to be an SUV in this day and age of soccer moms driving them.

[@Mark-uh7cr]

Was Kennedy the last POTUS in a Lincoln?

[@vcmax88]

Like Gerald Ford said, he was a Ford, not a Lincoln. Too bad the current guy is more the Escort type.

[@Cms-rl3wo]

Lincoln is still an American company though so the point still stands that the president has always ridden in american made vehicles

[@yengsabio5315]

"...ridiculous amounts of interior space." That's too obvious for the A380.

[@johnboz8087]

They finally changed the music in their video. It was about time.

[@nicholassiminson1825]

I'm surprised that they even CONSIDERED the possibility being that the Americans are soooo patriotic ! And I am an Airbus Pensioner since 2009. Apart from that, if they did use the A380, Airbus would have been crawling with Yankee Secret Service Agents poking into every Corner and trying to establish American Control of the Company (and we all know what a disaster that would have been).

[@JustSomeCanuck]

For those wondering why the 777X or A350 were not considered, the Air Force opposes the idea of the President flying on a twin-engine plane, despite their proven reliability. They really don't want Air Force One to have to divert somewhere unplanned in case of malfunction.

[@todortodorov940]

The A350 wasn't built at the time when the considerations took place.

[@78Dipar]

It's perfectly obvious that a new "Air Force One" could only be an US plane, not a european one !

[@thomasguellaut7253]

Airbus is European but mostly French

[@78Dipar]

@@thomasguellaut7253 In the beginning of Airbus, the leadership was french, but things have changed, now it's more the german...

[@trailingrails9953]

Just here to see if there’s a comment wishing the current president was flying on a Max 8.

[@Rasscasse]

The Max 8 is no longer referred to as such. It’s now the -8 (dash 8) But don’t tell the general public Ssshhhhh We think we have them fooled.

[@olufemiagbato8519]

Imagine if Obama chose this 😳, Fox news will Loooooooooose its mind.

[@herbertant4096]

hahahahahaha, definetly

[@mikepetitti]

If it were painted tan....then, yes, never would have heard the end of it.

[@CausticLemons7]

@@maverickd.t.l.9749 Might want to doublecheck your information. The VC-25Bs were procured and ordered from Boeing in 2015 under Obama. Boeing also got a contract to identify cost reductions in both the development and operational costs. As far as I can tell, all Trump did was change the paint job and happened to be in office for the first cost overrun. Although to be honest I think it's safe to blame Boeing for most of that.

[@olufemiagbato8519]

@@CausticLemons7 Also, weren't the VC25s a re-purposed Boeing 747-8 order by the Russian airline TransAero that they backed out of due to funding. This all happened in 2015, then Boeing offered them cheap to the new Airforce One Program. I'm not sure who signed and sealed the deal but the whole ordeal started with the Russians in 2015.

[@CausticLemons7]

@@maverickd.t.l.9749 But your comment doesn't make sense. Trump didn't push anything through because it had already started before he was in office. You also said Obama had "little regard to them being outdated" but he literally ordered new models. If you meant something different then you will need to explain a little more to be understood.

[@williamshaw3rd]

@2:57 they have used Lincoln as well. The Kennedy assassination was in a Lincoln Continental Convertible; a closed roof limo was always an option too. The resulting bulletproofed Continental sits at Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.

[@Embargoman]

Same will be if you just take this in consideration. If Mitsubishi enters the picture to compete with Boeing and then when Boeing begins to make crappy products, and then the presidential limo for the American president becomes a Mercedes Benz. Then what do you get? Boeing goes out of business! A presidential limo built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. An Air Force One Airplane built in Mobile, Alabama. Both of these vehicles made in the state of Alabama are built by companies based outside the US. An Airbus A380 Air Force One made by Airbus in Mobile, Alabama. A Mercedes Benz Presidential Limo that is built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Both made in USA by foreign based corporations. The airplane part is essential is that when Boeing keeps screwing up and Japanese competitor appears then you see Boeing end up being out of business.

[@TheRealCartman1]

I'd like to see what Airbus came up with as far as how the extra space could have been used.

[@nielsmichiels1939]

Probably more military ops stations, more sleeping space for the president and personell, cargo, maybe even vehicle storage if the built a back ramp on it? This would partialy eliminate the need for those transport planes that carry "the beast" and the escort cars.

[@pete84101]

If I'm correct, when the Air Force sent out a request for bids, one of the requirements was that it be a four engine aircraft. That alone eliminated the 777, and left the A380, A340-600, & 747. Also the current two 747-8's that are being outfitted were from a bankrupt Russian airline.

[@Windows98R]

Something just feels...odd when America rejects something for being too big

[@Think_Inc]

😂

[@hans3000]

"Up against the Boeing 747-200..." **Shows 747-8i**

[@valmirsallahu4209]

I would love to see a presidential 787-10

[@Crazyuncle1]

The 787 would be a great replacement for the 757s.

[@ambergris5705]

Now we're only waiting for the EU to elect a president, so that we can have an uncontroversial A380 presidential jet. Just imagine.

[@leeking888]

I'm a foreigner yet you're right it would be unpatriotic to use a non-American made plane for the President. After the demise of 4 engine plane which would they choose?

[@TheStig_TG]

Would love an a350 or 767 as an american

[@makomadns4]

Well they could certainly go with a 2 engine 777 if thats all thats left in the market. However the current planes have been in presidential service for 30 years. Aviation has changed alot in that time and will be much different 30 more years from now. If Elon Musk can pull it off, long haul travel will be upended with the upcoming BFR rocket & starship so maybe there is a Space Force One in the future and Air Force One can be a smaller aircraft for shorter domestic trips? There’s also new electric and bio fuel technologies that could make larger aircraft popular again. There’s lots of work going on the make supersonic personal & commercial aircraft work. 30 years is a long time when it comes to modern technical innovation.

[@phinadelphiahlongwane3485]

Honestly I think US military can be the saviour of all the A380 airliners being retired early.. They are the only military big enough and busy enough to make use of the large interior space for Troops deployment and some arsenals with few configurations

[@matthewgaines10]

They contract much of the airlift and sealift they need out. Whatever they need that isn't Air Force or Naval assets, they are contracted out to U.S. companies first, then foreign entities. They will use what ever the contractors have. They won't be buying clapped out airliners when they can contract out the capacity they need in the event of a national emergency.

[@Horizon301.]

Airbus would have to have built the A380 in the US, it makes no financial sense thus they wouldn’t bother bidding for the contract. This isn’t about it being European at all.

[@maxklein3853]

Maybe the president should settle for a 737 MAX.

[@irish00011]

Hell, I'm believing, my federal government should have waited until the Boeing B-777X9 was available, but they didn't. The amazing piece to this puzzle is this: The powers to be, accepted two already constructed B-747-8-I, which were being stored in the California desert, and brought them back to Washington State, for a complete modification of all systems, and upgrades before becoming the new POTUS air transporters. This project had begun over two years ago, and it is still not completed.

[@kevinnava5809]

In my opinion I think the government should choose the new Boeing 777x as the new Air Force One.

[@matthewgaines10]

Airforce One is built as a 747 shell and flown to Kansas to be completed. Airbus couldn't built the final assembly in the US and been overseen by the US secret service and US Airforce personnel. Every presidential vehicle is overseen by U.S. Secret Service staff so they know exact what when into it. Cars, vans, busses, ambulances, even the fire truck that largely sits unused near the White House. They had their hands on them all. Also, the A380 can't be serviced by as many airports as a 747. There are 767s for presidential service in smaller airports but they do not have all the facilities of the 747.

[@lol-to7ip]

A380 really should be for president in European

[@marv6017]

Yet, not one single EU country has one! Why? It’s too large and expensive to maintain. The AB 350 is more efficient. Makes sense!

[@therobloxsimulation6023]

@@marv6017 and the president/presidents can't afford that?

[@andymo4671]

@@therobloxsimulation6023 At least is not President s money taxpayers money!!

[@bonelesswatermelon420]

Well it could've also been "technically American," as a part of the bidding process, I believe that the condition was that Airbus would have to construct the aircraft within the US. They did have a legitimate shot but of course, the economics would never work out to justify a whole new plant for just 2 to 3 planes. The Mobile, Alabama assembly line wouldn't be able to produce these aircraft. Interestingly, this does open the possibility to replace the C32 (usually flown as Air Force Two). The C32 has been growing more and more unreliable, so Airbus can probably make another bid for it, presenting the A321 ACJ as a direct replacement. Boeing's offering will still probably have the advantage, since the 737 platform already has various uses within the USAF, but it would still be great to see Airbus try to take a shot at supplying government VIP aircraft to the US.

[@leander_2664]

777X and A350 are the most efficient Aircraft. If I had become a president, I would have taken one of these two.

[@Echo024]

I’m surprised Trump didn’t try to turn the An-225 into Air Force One.

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

Nation pride is the point🛫🤓

[@82attilatoth]

Long story short: Political aspect: To arrive at somewhere on a European jet is not a good message from the POTUS. Economical aspect: Using a plane that was designed and manufactured abroad and not by the great American workers and engineers is also not a positive message Security aspect: To share top secret security details and technologies with a non-US manufacturer is a high risk End of story

[@MarmiteMogul]

Not risky I would say

[@Robert-xp4ii]

I'm partial to the 747. To me, that's the most beautiful jet in the sky. I do wish we had kept the same baby blue livery though. It had a simple elegance about it and the new livery just looks a little too gaudy.

[@makomadns4]

I doubt the livery will stay with Biden coming into office.

[@nielsmichiels1939]

Meh, they'll probably change it back to the baby blue now trump's out of office.

[@Embargoman]

Posibblity will be after a Boeing 737 MAX crashes in Japan is more likely to see an Air Force One made by Airbus, yep I could imagine an A380 after a few years of a Boeing 737 MAX crashes in Japan and Mitsubishi enters the picture and eventually the last Boeing 747 will be a cargo plane made for the KLM Cargo division from The Netherlands, just like what has happened to the Fokker F-100 so the las 747 Boeing plane will have the F-100 serial number because of a Japanese competitor enters the picture and then you see an A380 Air Force One.

[@elliotjames3209]

Hello Simple Flying, could you make a video on the different aircraft used by US presidential candidates over the years that they have used on the campaign trail?

[@DrewPritt]

While we have always had American manufacturers for the official Presidential planes (Douglas, then Lockheed, and finally Boeing) the President doesn’t always ride in Cadillacs. For a long time it was Lincoln’s by Ford Motor Co. and only recently Cadillac and that’s not to say the new limousines may not go back to Lincoln’s.

[@rolandhandy9030]

No an American president should not fly on a foreign aircraft when the US has its own companies. This would also include any helicopters that need to be replaced.

[@typhoon2585]

The first reason is Airbus decided not to bid because saw little to no benefit of having to build an A380 in US soil or changing actual parts of the plane with US made ones to comply with the rules of US requirements for being awarded the contract. Size isn't a matter here since while A380 is wider, B747-8 is longer.

[@karampuk1974]

During Obama's years they were actually considering 787. If I was to guess four engines was one of the major factors in choice. As for the size, POTUS travels on smaller planes too. Then, if going abroad, it's assisted with C-5 anyways, so size of A380 shouldn't be a problem

[@Dhiaw]

I bet a 777 would look good with the livery

[@derekinhawaii]

Having the 777x as Air Force one is not a smart logistical move. The 777x cabin space is about 1000sqft less than a 747-8..... 747-8 (4786sqft), 777x (3600sqft)... it's a huge difference with regards to a plane.

[@Thebgy1]

777X is also more expensive than 747-8

[@maybesamrat]

@@Cartoonman154Number of Engines doesn't matter.

[@maybesamrat]

I am damn sure Boeing 777X looks cool with any livery of any airlines.

[@IBo99608]

a good looking boeing doesn't exist

[@dennisthebrony2022]

3:10 *LAUGHS* That is a very funny question to be asking!!! XD

[@CaptainM792]

Perhaps it, along with the MD-12, could happen in the world of GTA.

[@quillmaurer6563]

Could easily happen in Flight Simulator X, probably X Plane, FS2020 once someone makes an A380 for it. It wouldn't be a new aircraft type in those games, just a reskin of what's already out there.

[@Doc_Dolan]

Over and above that it is not American Made ... there is the fact that IF the President were to 'ask for' more 'floor space' to use the 747 is easily adaptable to a longer upper deck. Many with larger upper decks already exist in the air.

[@user-bx7nw1ve6y]

Airbus never actually submitted a bid. Their thinking was that it simply wouldn't be worth the time and effort for just a couple aircraft.

[@christoohunders5316]

makes sense to me too

[@kapilsds7]

Boeing 737 max is good choice. 😳

[@Inkling777]

I'd add another reason, although one that's best known in retrospect. More than enough 747s have been built that replacement parts will not be an issue. There'll be an ample supply for decades. For a plane with as long a service life as Air Force One, that's critical. In contrast, the A-380 has been built in such limited numbers, that replacement parts are already becoming a problem.

[@bobmoz]

Uh no the 747-8 is a stretched version of the 747 meaning it’s longer the previous 2 versions. It has brand new designed wings and a different sized fuselage as well as completely different engines from the older model 747, it also has modern technology built into it also the 747-8 was built with more composite material then previous 747. It would be like trying to put parts from a 65 mustang on a 2020 mustang, it just isn’t gonna happen. Also when there’s any type of engine damage or maintenance problem with the engines on Air Force one the entire engine is swapped out completely with a brand new one, no used parts.

[@Horstj71]

Never understood why they did not use a 777-300 ER, such a beautiful plane or an Airbus 350-1000.

[@TheStig_TG]

I agree as an boeing fan i still have respect for my competitor Airbus and would love to see the A350

[@dave8599]

the 747 is much nicer and more stately than those other two planes

[@TheStig_TG]

@@dave8599 you sound like you dont know much about planes. Just saying.

[@matthewgaines10]

I'm sure they had their good reasons but would've preferred a 777x myself.

[@aj.z2949]

In my opinion; if you're patriotic it's better to acquire what's done in your country and not in another country

[@marv6017]

It makes sense for the US presidential aircraft to be a product of an American company. It reflects national pride...I am still buying american produced cars. Help build the US economy in my own little way. What can be so wrong with that?

[@andymo4671]

Like BMW , there is a plant in USA? You should buy wich product amaze you most! Not why the brand is from your own country. F.E. There are Chevrolet s which produced in South Korea ?

[@marv6017]

@@andymo4671 and VW, Toyota, etc. produced in the US. Of course I am consuming quality, beautiful American products. I Certainly will continue to support my local economy, whether in Miami or US. Just like I support Europeans doing the same! It’s only logical...

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

The a380 makes a statement wherever it goes but it was just too big for a president

[@herbertant4096]

And Its not Efficient and No Air Refueling system

[@herbertant4096]

@Justin Anderson as an american, your perspective of looking the a380 it sounds not good. It just the double decker plane designed exaggerate

[@khaliphilemoyo607]

@Justin Anderson not quite i really like the sleek wing design with those massive rolls royce engines mounted on there it looks really good

[@dave8599]

the statement I see from the 380 is money looser, decades too late, a really crappy aircraft that has a horrid sales record.

[@aviation0024]

Yes, it is a good idea to choose Boring 747-8. Because the president needs to travel a long distance but A380 can’t

[@DavidF3]

Did you pay attention?

[@aviation0024]

I just said agree

[@derekinhawaii]

@@aviation0024 II think you are missing the point made by David Aorro. He said did you pay attention? The video clearly stated that while the A380 is much heavier/larger is uses 15% more thrust, thus not as fuel efficient. The 777x is smaller thus uses less fuel. Both planes have similar ranges of about: A380 range = 8478nm, 777X range = 8730nm.... Distance is not the problem.

[@Daryanplays]

@@derekinhawaiialso A380 has a longer range than the B747 anyways

[@con-fu3677]

More importantly, would the AMC ever order a reusable rocket for the president? Space Force One?

[@Zackman217]

If there’s a retired 747-8 that’s still in good condition, the US government can convert it into the new Air Force One. Or they can use the newly introduced 777x as the new Air Force One.

[@engineergaming4295]

Boeing is already converting two cancelled transaero 747-8s to air force one

[@engineergaming4295]

They started last year

[@Marceloloeite]

I know it's unrelated to the topic, but why can't the A380 be converted to cargo? (And why they made no freighter versions)

[@danharold3087]

To quote theloadstar.com "There are several problems - quite big ones in fact, involved with making one of the least cargo-friendly aircraft into a cargo-only version: the A380 has four engines; weak floors, designed for passengers; no large loading door; and it's not the most efficient aircraft - quite a long list of problems" And the limited number of airports that can handle it.

[@Marceloloeite]

I see, thanks

[@matthewgaines10]

It can be converted to a cargo roll but the A380 would max out on weight before it maxed out on space.

[@ThirdEngr]

There is no way that Airbus was ever in the serious running. Not with the lobbying that happens in America.

[@brianthebarbarian7860]

747 was chosen because the aircrews wont have to retrain, and it has shorter takeoff and landing distance

[@FamilyManPhil]

Not sure I'd describe 15 airlines as 'a handful'

[@jebise1126]

apparently new 747 wont have air refueling capacity either...

[@SushiVoador]

Nice video

[@aerobobby]

Reason 1 - Not valid. The A380 can operate anywhere the 747-8 can Reason 2 - Not valid. The aircraft chosen will not have air-to-air refilling capability Reason 3 - Valid. The only reason they chose the 747-8 is because it’s an American product. If the A380 were an American product, it would have been chosen without question.

[@dave8599]

reason one... you assertation that the 380 can operate amyplace the 747 can is false. and the 747 has a lower fuel burn rate, and the 747 has many years in use with the airforce already, meaning training, spares etc will be easier with the 747. the 380 is not the right aircraft

[@Cms-rl3wo]

Also the 747 is a full parking class smaller than the a380.

[@AAC0911]

B777-300er or B7779x would be good and better replacement

[@TheStig_TG]

It can fit the 100 people that fly on the 747-200

[@itzfaroff456]

Because the a380 is made in Europe not USA end of discussion.

[@maybesamrat]

If I would be the President of USA I would have ordered a two seater Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor for myself.

[@albecker2982]

The American Government is obligated to buy an American plane, no matter whether it is great or it is trash.

[@jobbiejew]

747-8SP for a replacement? Surely that would be more practical, or maybe just a citation x or something would be sufficient but the 8SP if it were to be a thing would be good for that role.

[@BilboBagginsense]

Limited airport accessibility was the biggest factor besides being a foreign product.

[@mirkolutzau6481]

If You want technology and efficiency just look at the new "german AF1"...

[@Dr.farazalam]

What about considering IL-96? It costs only $ 40 million per unit

[@WifeBTR123]

Is it true the new Airforce One will not have mid-air refueling capability?

[@jstar65]

It’s not American, there’s a reason why every presidents limo is Cadillac in foreign countries

[@danharold3087]

Do any of you think the countries building the airbus would use a Boeing product in this role. Say it with me "Double standard"

[@JW-mx3qg]

Safer and more quality products come from Europe. So choosing a plane for high officials should also be made of better products then American made and more often recalled planes such as Boeing. (Example 737max and 787 recalls). Better vehicles aren’t made in USA but Europe!

[@WASTEOFTIMESTUDIOS]

737 M8, Patriotic or not, American isn't always the way to go.

[@vaskarmitra6411]

Nooo a380 in white blue and red looks too funny and ridiculous when I imagined it

[@evernaur1648]

B777X as Air Force One 😍

[@derekinhawaii]

Having the 777x as Air Force one is not a smart logistical move. The 777x cabin space is about 1000sqft less than a 747-8..... 747-8 (4786sqft), 777x (3600sqft)... it's a huge difference with regards to a plane.

[@bd5av8r1]

Air Force 1 is a call-sign, not a jet.

[@TheStig_TG]

The only "name" the jets have are 28000 and 29000

[@mq46312]

Wouldn't be right if the POTUS is flying in a French plane.

[@matthogan7545]

German

[@amorag59]

@@matthogan7545 ** Multinational with HQ in France

[@matthogan7545]

amorag59 after a vast *30 sec* search.... yeah HQ is France and Netherlands- always had it in my head that it was Germany, but the more ya know

[@andrewdubose9968]

POTUS isn’t flying on a foreign plane

[@AviaZou7A]

I knew it there would be Patriotism if US President did not choose A380 :3

[@Brick-Life]

A380 president plane would be cool

[@reggiebuffat]

I don't understand why the USA didn't use a 2 engines wide body aircraft.

[@makomadns4]

Prestige, size & redundancy - the airforce & secret service would rather have an aircraft with 4 engines incase something happens in flight. The extra space allows them to do/carry more. And finally you just can’t get that same visual of power from a one level, 2 engine jet vs a 2 level 4 engine jet.

[@robertbarney8471]

No but it would be cool to see the president in a gulfstream

[@suddhojitgon5929]

Yes, I would have loved to watch the US president fly in a modified A380.

[@indranilchakrabarty4196]

They should have bought a Sukhoi Jet 100 or a Comac !!

[@herbertant4096]

HAHAHAHAHA DUDE, Its really unnationalist

[@BRIANBUSTINERA-m7s]

Vote if u want A380 air force one 👇

[@Embargoman]

It’s a possibility to see the Airbus A380 as the US presidential plane, at what will be when a Japanese competitor comes along, while Boeing having a Boeing 737 MAX 8 to crash in Japan. Ever since Airbus stop the production of the A380 in 2021. Then Mitsubishi entering the picture while a Boeing 737 MAX crashes in Japan. What will be that Boeing enters into bankruptcy, then the last Boeing airplane will be a Boeing 747 cargo plane with the last model number to be F100 will not be made for the United States but is made for KLM Cargo that is the cargo division of KLM Airlines from The Netherlands, that the model number of F100 as the last plane made by Boeing for KLM cargo that will be a 747 that the F100 will be to contribute to the Fokker 100 the last airplane made by Dutch airplane company Fokker. Then the possibility to bring back the Airbus A380 as the Air Force One will be that the first Airbus A380 that will be built since the last one being built in 2021 when Airbus stopped production, as when Airbus relaunch the A380 then production of the A380 returns starts in Mobile, Alabama as the first A380 Air Force One will be built in Mobile Alabama for the US president. By the time when Boeing goes into Bankruptcy that all of the Air Force One presidential Airplanes will all be built in Mobile, Alabama to see that the first Airbus A380 for the American president will be an Alabama built bird of steel. That means after the bankruptcy of Boeing will be that all of the US Air Force Ones will be built in Alabama starting with the first A380 made for the President of the United States of America. Not to worry the US president will ride in an American built airplane, even if Boeing goes out of business the Air Force One ends up being built in Alabama instead of Washington state.

[@mingming9604]

that would have been considered heresy! This is another reason why the 747 will fly long after the A380 is scrapped.....

[@thetransponder7186]

Well I mean. Only 2 747s flying after the a380, passengers and cargo 747s are scrapped isn't a flex. It's more of a "wow, cool but, I wont be able to fly on it.". I mean with your logic the p51 mustang will out live all jet liners. Although there aren't much of them and you might never fly in it.

[@dave8599]

747s will be flying when the only place you can see a 380 is in a museum or as a beer can. how much did airbus loose on the 380? I heard they never recovered the development costs with the lack luster sales.

[@thetransponder7186]

@@dave8599 again 2 747s will be flying long after the a380. No more no less. Again not a huge flex. And while they never recovered the developmental cost they did sell alot more of their other planes. So was it really for sales or a publicity stunt? Cause after that the following year when the 380 release they saw a huge boost in Sales for their other planes. So they did recover.

[@PInk77W1]

Airbus lost so much money on the A380 They could’ve made an Air Force one A380 and just gifted it to USA and it wouldn’t Have mattered

[@gabu114]

i think the a350/b777/b787 would be noice for the job😃

[@jeetshaah]

If not for the US, a presidential A380 for a European state sounds a justified possibility...!

[@petergatzbirle3293]

Yes, sure.

[@harlottafarginah5638]

I could've wrapped this video up in 10 sec....AIrbus = Foreign product. Boeing = US product

[@cnn787-i9e]

Why? Cuz it's not Murican

[@jzawsome2594]

no, i want them to stay with boeing

[@probableflaws3597]

Let’s be real. They were never going to select a foreign airliner to represent the country. I’m sure it wasn’t even considered for even a second.