Flying China’s Broken Air Force One - Air China B747-400

I made an attempt to fly on China’s former Air Force One - an Air China B747-400 but the plane broke down after boarding. What happened?
The former Chinese Air Force One; B-2472 was used until 2020 and returned to Air China’s fleet. It is currently deployed on domestic trunk routes such as Beijing to Shenzhen. I started my journey at Beijing Capital Int’l Airport with a visit to the Air China domestic lounge.
Boarding was swift and the B747-400 is showing its age with old recliner seats in Business Class. After pushback and engine start, we returned to the gate due to an unspecified mechanical issue.
The delay went on for almost four hours and passengers were finally swapped to an even older B747-400; 28 years old B-2447 which was used by President Jiang Zemin before return back to Air China service. During the delay, passengers were furious with how Air China handle such an unexpected issue.
The replacement 747 took off fast and climbed straight to 38,000 ft. I documented the in-flight service and tour around the whole plane. It was nostalgic to be able to fly on one of the last active B747-400 in China. The landing in Shenzhen was an extremely smooth one.

[@weidmann0501]

Mechanical issues are always a problem, but I agree with the statement, "I'd rather be down here wishing I was up there, rather than up there wishing I was down here."

[@user-wu1pe9co7l]

In 1973 I started my career as an American Airlines flight attendant and the 747-100 was often in my schedule. The plane sounded exactly the same on the ground as it did in your wonderful video,bringing back good memories! I really appreciated your remark about the cabin crew having to deal with the delay. Great video!

[@DavideAviation242]

That's amazing

[@RandomThings-lk6qp]

That’s Awesome

[@RandomThings-lk6qp]

Guys R.I.P B747-400/and all others

[@melonacat]

That’s amazing! 747-100s!

[@jaraehubbard1611]

⁠@@RandomThings-lk6qp8F and 400F and dream lifters: I’m still standing

[@clchan1953]

Setting aside that the airline already had a second aircraft available and ready to go, to transfer all the cargo, luggage, in-flight refreshments, crews and passengers themselves to another plane in merely 3 hours is miraculous.

[@user-wz8hp2ix9f]

As a person has worked on airside of an airport, I agree.

[@762dracoAK]

CCP agrees.

[@canto_v12]

@@762dracoAK ^ found the racist

[@leanlifer]

That's might be due to the reduced number of cross-pacific Sino-US flights for political reasons. So Air China has more wide-body jets available to use for domestic flights.

[@leanlifer]

and the flight was departing from Beijing, where Air China HQ is located.

[@Kive-Chan]

A small tip: Chinese government don't have an airplane that act as the air force one,the plane is scheduled on common routine when off duty.

[@pjsudharshan]

it's a good move... tax payers money are put to proper use

[@qingyangzhang6093]

I have always been confused by the Chinese leadership using commercial B747s. First of all, this doesn't square with their obsession with secrecy. Then, there is often a lengthy turnaround when switching between VIP and commercial roles (which happens often for B-2472 - the First and Business Class seats often need to be replaced with hardwood furniture). Finally, a B767 on the VIP fleet was bugged before by American mechanics, and someone can conceivably do it again as a passenger.

[@Kive-Chan]

​@@qingyangzhang6093 the VIP seats are not available for commercial flights perhaps or maybe there are anti spyware device?

[@wsaxa-wwlsh]

B-2479(Boeing747-8)is only for the vip .

[@yuxuanqian2077]

B-2479 (The 747-8) is fully converted for Chinese Government‘s VIP in 2016 at Hamburg, Germany and leave the schedule of commercial flight since then.

[@davidcole333]

I'm glad the young man got to experience the 747 and in the upper deck, he'll never forget that flight. I never get tired of the 747, she is amazing.

[@SamChui]

Yep, we've exchanged contact and made friends since. He will always remember that flight.

[@shadowexecutive3243]

Yes indeed

[@gebe8978]

Yes, in m case my first 747 was also in upper deck and, subsequently, all flights I have done in such aircraft were also in upper deck. I absolutely adored it and, as mentioned, to me it seemed a nicer experience than the A380 as a "business" traveler. As family traveler I am not sure I would take the 747 in their usual layouts.

[@badbilly1083]

I love that the attendant knew what you wanted to film while entering the aircraft. I also noticed the ramp workers were waving goodbye to the passengers as the plane taxied to the runway. It reminded me of the ride attendants at theme parks who wave at any passersby in the park. I’m actually a little surprised at your positive experience on Air China, but happily so.😊 Good job AC

[@lagrangewei]

@@NeoKingArthur no, there is a handler that signal the captain, the captain do not look around like an idiot to see if all the ground crew is clear if you ever been in a cockpit you will know you DO NOT HAVE VISIBILITY beyond the wings. so you are wrong.

[@KuostA]

lmao. just stop. you're completely wrong. what the 3 ground crew did there was indeed waving to the pasengers. yes, there is the signal to the captain they're clear and good to move, but the continued waving was a cultural thing asian countries do out of respect to the passengers leaving. period. you're wrong. @@NeoKingArthur

[@neil9143]

my first flight was Air China b747-sp, more than 30 years ago! what a time! many thx Sam for bring back all the memory!

[@JamesKooleYYZ]

Great spirit from that young avgeek. Such excitement even in spite of the delays and plane swap.

[@AirbusA--si4kw]

For those interested, according to a CAAC regulatory guideline titled 《民航总局对国内航空公司因自身原因造成航班延误给予旅客经济补偿的指导意见(试行)》, passengers are entitled to economic compensation from the airline if an delay by the airline is 4 hours and above. Compensations can range between 100 to 200 Yuan (13.43-27.47USD), but airlines would typically only pay 200 or more if the delay is severe.

[@xihuantiyu]

If I am in PEK that day, I will not complain. Look it this way: you purchase one ticket, and you board two rare Boeing-747 and see the third one along the way. You board one in terminal and the shuttle bus takes you to a remote area of PEK, it sounds like a great plane spotting day to me. I will give airlines another 50rmb for my experience. LoL

[@SamChui]

@@xihuantiyu Of course, It is good for me but remember, most other passengers aren't Avgeek. They are suffering from this delay.

[@SamChui]

I think the compensation isn't realistic given how high the airfare and cost of living are.

[@leanlifer]

@@SamChui The policy was made years ago when the income level was way lower. The average airfare hasn't raised much for the past 15 years, though.

[@TheMaartian]

I remember that First Class layout on the B-2473. Decades ago, Northwest Orient Airlines had the same layout on their 747 between Minneapolis and Tokyo. The seats weren't fully flat back then. Now, all long haul Business Class seats are fully flat. What a difference!

[@alalfred3474]

NW Orient had its first class on the front of 747 upper deck, as I recalled, only four seats on 2-2 layout, very spacious with lay flat capability. But the seats were not very impressive compared to the first/business class seats nowadays. I flew them from Seattle to Tokyo many many times and have fond memory of NW Orient. Unfortunately, Delta pretty much decimated its east Asia network after merger.

[@TheMaartian]

@@alalfred3474 Their early 747-200s had First Class in the nose, with the spiral stairs up to the lounge on the little upper deck. Only used when in the air. The seats had a 55° recline and were finished in a "hairy" sheepskin. The seat pitch was so big, you couldn't stand with you calves against your seat and lean forward to touch the seat in front of you without falling over! I don't remember how many seats there were, but it was less than the 14 in Singapore's 1st class on the 747-400. And, yeah, the old NW Orient were great. I had to connect from Chicago to fly them to Tokyo.

[@alalfred3474]

@@TheMaartian Thanks, obviously I did not fly the early 200 version. My flights were without spiral stairs, and certainly without lounge upstairs. Not sure of the hairy seats, I believe they were made out of weaved fabric.

[@TheMaartian]

@@alalfred3474 The seats were covered with sheepskin that still had a little fur/hair/wool attached to it. Not shaved clean. Could never be used today due to hygiene reasons. They were tan colored. Looked cool, but weren't good at absorbing heat. Not my favorite. Ah, the early days! EDIT: I can't find a photo of that old cabin design. The ones I did find had been retrofitted with a much denser layout (14-16 seats) and fabric covers. Too bad. It was an interesting historical design. They must have had real problems keeping those sheepskin seats clean. But, dayam, that cabin was spacious! My fav 1st class cabin on a 747-400 was Singapore's. Cathy Pacific's business class was superior to Singapore's.

[@capricorn839]

I flew on a NW Orient in 1982 from Tokyo to NYC. Unforgettable flight on a 747 Jumbo. Years later I flew on the same airline for my business trip from Singapore to San Francisco. Later years the airline changed it's name to Delta Airlines. They used Boeing 777 as the 747 already phased out. It was a wonderful flight and a memorable one

[@lebuulittler8645]

Thank you Sam for the fantastic Air China 747 video. Love the cabin bulkhead artwork. 747 Forever!

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

So happy you made it to your destination Sam . I always try to stay calm with airport delays but it is very frustrating especially when you don't get the information you want. Imagine if you did take off on the faulty 747 ? Passenger safety is number 1 !

[@pal2011]

I flew on a 747 over a decade ago on one of my first transpacific flights and it was so memorable. Sad that these are almost gone. 777 and 787's don't feel the same. Good to see Sam being very balanced on the video.

[@greghuang2314]

I flew on Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Palma de Mallorca just for the 747-400 earlier this year and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had! It's hard to believe that there are only 10 747-400s in active passenger service today, while almost every major international airline had them just a decade ago

[@vasukiperera5278]

Never knew that Lufthansa , used it on short haul sectors !

[@greghuang2314]

@@vasukiperera5278 They only did this on select flights in April and June due to Palma de Mallorca being a mega popular tourist destination in spring and summer. Normall that flight is an A320 or A321.

[@Canleaf08]

@@vasukiperera5278 LH 470 FRA-YYZ. They recently pulled the 747 from the shorthaul sectors. They even flew within Germany...

[@gloriclyoko]

Savor the beautiful moments with the queen of the skies! Great video as always!

[@philipdartnell]

Absolutely sensational video! Beautifully filmed and edited. Wonderful imagery and explanation of the challenges you had going on this flight. I really appreciate the quality and effort put into making this! Thank you.

[@YC80087]

I was surprised to hear Sam’s Mandarin is actually better than his Cantonese! Beautiful plane and thanks for filming the whole ups and downs of your trip!

[@jiayinjustin]

he was born in beijing so you know,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@yhe2452]

Yes, and actually, he even has some mild Beijing accent while talking, e.g., 2:25

[@YC80087]

Just thought that Sam grew up in Hong Kong and hence the surprise

[@muhammadichsan3081]

I don't get what any difference cantonese and mandarin? 😢

[@TricycleRaider]

@@muhammadichsan3081 The two shares the same writting system but sounds vastly different, the difference is even bigger than between some European "Language"s. Well this writting system is the key that hold China, a vast land as big as the whole of Europe, together, while Europe is divided into so many nations and countries, at least partial due to the lack of such a shared link.

[@Urboyfromfuture]

I'm so happy for that young guy. It's one of the best experience. ❤❤

[@billwang1979]

I had flied with 747-400 to US by Northwest Airline in 2004 which was my first time to take the flight of the overseas travel.It's really fantastic and amazing experience. Thank you so much for your video Sam, it's really interesting to see such old friend- Air China B-2472 and hope their flying life will be continuing.😀

[@Emirates_A380]

Sam Thanks saw it til the end. Another great job🙌🙌

[@mocarizo]

This plane and Kai Tak airport, what a beautiful memories

[@chengyizhang6634]

Nothing to surprise, No compensation for US flight delays neither.

[@danozism]

Thanks Sam! I used to fly 747-400's often, between Europe, the US and Australia, back in the late 1990's. At the time, I wouldn't have believed that they'd be so rare for passenger flights 20/25 years later! I really enjoyed this video- I miss the 747-400 already. Thanks again. "-)

[@anniechang2808]

This was entertaining & thanks for including air geek jr in your video. Flying different airplanes & airlines is exciting. Always enjoying your experiences on video. Thank you

[@harrisonchevy4452]

Thanks Sam for 747 flight. Long live the 747. Greatest commercial passenger plan ever built. See you on the next one.

[@naturelover7979]

It was a bit unprofessional by Air China. But good, the replacement being another 747.

[@aotearoa9547]

I flew with air china 4 times while travelling from Heathrow to Auckland and had hardly any problems with them. Besides the dated tech on the 777’s it was pretty decent.

[@bernardtan3639]

Hi! Sam. Thank You for sharing this wonderful vlog of yours on the Boeing 747-400. I am sure you and many more will miss this aircraft.

[@AbuPaul]

Thank you for your amazing videos and enthusiasm! I'm grateful I flew a 747 Lufty from LAX-FRA then FRA-DBX and then back! it was amazing!!

[@yannn1192]

Actually I'd been flying this type (not necessarily this aircraft) for a couple of times starting the late 90s. Back then Air China had another type which I believed to have been the B747-400 Combi. The last time I flew this type was 2018 with my parents from Guangzhou to Beijing before switching to a B777-300ER to Los Angeles. It was easily distinguished from the new B747-8 by the layout of main deck business class seat arrangement where there's a centre island, and the tiny, low resolution screen for each seat. You're right these are definitely phasing out in most if not all airlines.

[@SamChui]

Indeed, Air China used to have several B747-400 Combis. These planes fly without crew rest and sometimes the crew go to the aft cargo compartment for some rest :)

[@angelsiu5401]

Air China 🇨🇳 is aircraft flying the plane ✈️ to Hong Hong and Changed the American 🇺🇸 airport tomorrow morning to see what the details will need for next appointment not broken 😡 don’t worry 😉 will not give up on my air China 🇨🇳 Beijing and Singapore 🇸🇬 for

[@ItsBugsy]

Only 3 hour delay in summer for a technical 747 is very impressive!

[@SamChui]

Fortunately, Air China have a spare 747 so we got swapped onto a new ship.

[@ItsBugsy]

@@SamChui Very fortunate for you... would have been nice to see what they did / the chaos if they didn't as it would make for another great video :D

[@shittuisholaadekunle4068]

I hope I meet you someday and fly in the sky as well but through you I have knowledge about planes

[@the.aviator]

Sam, You Look Really Weird With Eyeliners On. Stop It.

[@user-os4to6hf4g]

No airlines chaos can top the Southwest Airlines in the US during last Christmas holidays. It completely shut down for a week.

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Awesome experience to take us along. Thank you Sam!

[@katjun286]

Very beautiful airplane I used to work on this beauty and loved it, I miss those days. Each airline has its unique touch. Glad you made it and the flight wasn't canceled the wait was worth it. 😁

[@Steve-xf4uv]

I can't believe that passenger so critical of the fact that the Captain spotted a technical problem and put the safety of his passengers first and came back to the gate. Maybe he didn't think too far in advance. I thought everything worked out pretty well; no one likes to wait but the wait was not long considering the number of passengers to be flown. The flight was smooth, food looked good, and I always liked those seats. Good one Sam.

[@canto_v12]

Considering the expectations of a significant number of aviation enthusiasts crowding a desirable plane, this was handled about as well as one could hope. But as we all know, most passengers are not enthusiasts and just want to get to their destinations on time and in one piece.

[@SunnyWu]

At least no one got violent... Yes, it was wrong for that passenger to complain about it, but I think it's understandable if you are without food during lunch time. Anyone would be cranky, and probably not thinking straight from the low blood sugar. I think they could have done better by offering everyone an opportunity to go eat at the lounge, which should have been serving lunch.

[@SkyusaNguyen]

Safety is always first, ladies and gentlemen ❤.

[@QuicknStraight]

Interesting video! I haven't flown on a B747 for about a decade now. The last time was on a tired old BA B747 from BKK to LHR. It was not a pleasant experience! But, back when I lived and worked in HK for a decade, in the 80s-90s, I used to regularly fly business class long haul on Cathay B747s and that was great. Back when Cathay was a top airline. Always tried to get a seat in the upper deck just because it was so much quieter up there.

[@cuckoonut1208]

Wow! Hong Kong in that decade must have been so awesome. What a life you led.

[@QuicknStraight]

@@cuckoonut1208 HK was a great place to be than. Such a vibrant place, great nightlife. Then 1997 handover killed it.

[@cuckoonut1208]

@@QuicknStraight Simply tragic.

[@yingdongduan205]

Sam do have a big heart, and a peace mood during delay of the plane. I admire that.

[@tonyvalisky4856]

Nice one Sam. I’ve been watching your shows for a long time now. I also loooooove flying so it always picks my mood up seeing your videos. Many thanks. Paulie in Japan.

[@kiyoshitakeda452]

Delays never fun, but these days very common. Just fly in n. america. Sitting on the tarmac for 4 or 5 hrs. has happened. No AC too. Enjoy the 747 with a very stable flight. Food looks good. Thank you for the "experience".

[@timp.6127]

I have flown B747-400 many times, most of them on United Airlines' trans-pacific flights before they retired all of theirs. It is interesting that Air China puts its business class at the very front, as that section of the plane is usually considered as the quietest and most premium one. Once I was upgraded from business class to the very 1st row on United, a 1st class seat, and I was even ahead of pilots on the deck above me! Only B747s can make that kind of brags possible!

[@adampan6046]

Hands down 747-400 is my all time favorite airliner! I can clearly remember my last flight on a 747-400 was on Delta Airlines from Detroit to Shanghai.

[@betabot.]

Glad you got a look inside that plane and have a ride back and off the runway

[@beebee5176]

Sam, thanks for this video. but what a horror for all - the pilot of the first plane wanted to take off without doing a check as one passenger said.. the second one was a star alliance plane ... what a difference.....

[@yujianhu4207]

这两架飞机 真的是所有中国航空迷最想要的体验了！

[@lebusraconte3040]

You can be proud, your videos are wonderful, I’m 48 and feel like a child ! I recognize your respect and the soul of your channel is good and caring. Greetings from France, Dear ! (+ 1 subscriber !) 🙏🏽🌼🐞🍀✨

[@PnRoll]

That landing was pure class! Majestic

[@ayishaarshed6438]

Sam ur living every avgeeks world. Keep up the good content

[@lawrencewang9048]

These 747-400s were built in times when Boeing was run by engineers, not accountants. When the engineers put these together, they really did it in such a way that these planes would last for a very long time with the right maintenance. It's a shame these are being placed into boneyards for scrap due to fuel costs; not withstanding that, I bet these planes would outlive the current 737 MAX due to the amount of quality in them.

[@mikeske9777]

The 747 and 737 were in completely different markets. The 747 as you know is a truly long haul aircraft and would never endure the stress of short haul. The only short haul 747 built as a short haul was the 747-400D models which had beefed up landing gear, wings and floors as they were primarily used in short haul flights with considerably less range in Japan (both ANA and JAL had them). The thing is the 737 is designed for short haul and actually is designed for more cycles many more take offs and landings also the replacement of the 737 is probably higher as it is in the number of cycles it has had.

[@HesTNTonPMS]

Incredible shots of the landing , the wing flex, the shadow of the aircraft coming down . . . . . . . impressive for sure!

[@goingslightlymad7172]

Fantastic video! Loved seeing the interior of the plane! 🥰🥰

[@xihuantiyu]

I feel so bad for Sam's long delay. But I am so pleased to see three Boeing-747 in PEK. As matter of fact, I was in the first class cabin of the first 747 you boarded. I remember the painting at the front of the nose. It is still the very old design of the seats. The second Boeing-747 in this video is an actually retired Boeing-747. It is not on tarmac. It parks on the grass. That 747 plane had a minor accident in Guangzhou1. The tail of the airplane touched the runway while takeoff. The repair bill is huge and the plane had bad reputation as a injured airplane. No passenger wanted to board that plane. As result, Air China had to retire that 747 and used it as a mockup plane for training. The third Air China Boeing-747 definitely went through renovation or upgrade. The business class cabin has the new fancy seats. Hopefully Air China Boeing-747 can go back to SFO or JFK. I really wish I can fly this iconic 747 once again.

[@SamChui]

Thanks for your comment and Obs.

[@naturelover7979]

​@@SamChuiAre you of Chinese origin?

[@longyuchen905]

I think CA981 from PEK to JFK is using B747

[@longyuchen905]

The flight has been resumed

[@AirbusA--si4kw]

Air China currently uses the 747-8 for some of its Beijing-Frankfurt flights. We probably won’t see the -400s return to international service ever. They were retired from long-haul services back in 2014.

[@edward_fanxj]

When B-2472 served for VIP, the B-2447 would also take off to the destination together as a spare plane. Sometimes there would be another B744F from Air China Cargo flew to the destination before them with cars and other supplies and waiting for the arrivals of the VIP. Air China also has another B744F (B-2445), the oldest civil aircraft in China. But she stopped servece since last 2 years and nobody knows whether she will back to service again.

[@ahliang]

Cool info!

[@SamChui]

B-2445 is retired definitely. It is unclear how long Air China will keep B-2447 and B-2472 running...doing domestic runs cost them lot of cycles, I have a feeling they're burning them...

[@poseidon2671]

B-2447 used to carry Kim Jong-un to Singapore for talks with Trump in 2018

[@SZXswz-iz3de]

@@SamChui Hi sam，But recently, on some flight inquiry software, 2445 has given a plan, and it is said that it will resume operations in a few days?

[@jamespogo7478]

@@SamChui B-2445 seems back to service from Beijing to Shenzhen today. That's amazing.

[@sbdjatnika5665]

Always a great info from Sam's video.....❤

[@rodolfoeusebio8722]

The best vlogger of all time Sam Chui flying to all different countries of the world with different airlines. He guides us the thins to do when travelling, the different foods the airlines offers, the hospitality of the flight attendants and communicate with the pilots too.

[@FabulousFab-lb5rq]

I miss this plane so much🥲 looking at the economy seats, looks comfy, and large. No one bumping into your shoulder on aisle seat. I hope when they create a better way to travel with eco fuel, we will see the queen back up again.🙏🙏

[@shadowexecutive3243]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@matpk]

@@shadowexecutive3243 What a 💩 country

[@nayanchhetri576]

Hail to the Airlines Company for not jeprodizing the safety of its passengers amidst a few of them shouting as they are not aware that 3 hours delay is far more better than risking their lives.

[@jamessmith1652]

Awesome video Sam, love when you speak Mandarin and the AVgeek guy was cool to meet too!

[@jackisokkkk]

Great Video! Love from Beijing!

[@GreyRockOne]

Thank You Sam! It's sad we don't fly the 747 anymore here in the States, where they were born. I'd have to fly overseas to fly on these beauties. I've never been on one and it looks like I'll never be able to.. 😐

[@kaiyuanzhang6954]

On the contrary, My two times of flight on 747-400 are United Airlines of US back and forth between China & USA, 2008. Very lucky.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

TRULY UNBELIEVABLE Sam! I NEVER EVER imagined that ANY 747-400 would make a comeback especially with Air China 🇨🇳 on their SUPER ICONIC 747-400!! Nothing better than the 747 and it flying the skies with passengers again! 🎉🎉😂 I thought that post pandemic all the -400 operators were gone but between Asiana, Lufthansa & now Air China 🇨🇳 maybe I will be able to fly that iconic 747-400 with Air China someday! Cheers 🥂 brother! Love that 747! 🎉🎉 P.S. I can’t see an Air China 747-400 again anymore without picturing the beginning scenes from the newer Karate Kid (Kung Fu Kid) movie released in 2010 with Jackie Chan! They also filled all the flight scenes for that movie on a former Air China 747-400 (B-2450 & B-2443 both of which have sadly been scrapped now😢 but they did use part of a fuselage from a former Air China 747-400 B-2469 owned by Air Hollywood whom you know well! 😂)

[@TheRareVideosXL]

Great content as always.

[@oamsingh2008]

Oh man, this is so interesting especially the history of this iconic plane and to see it still flying.

[@TheRiverPirate13]

Back in 1997 I got a chance to go aboard Air Force One (which is a 747-200) while it was in the hanger because my brother worked Presidential for the US Air Force. The Presidential plane did not use the 747-400 because it used a "glass canopy". The 747-200 used analog flight controls which are imperious to disruption from a nearby nuclear blast. It was my very first time being on a 747! I had flown on a L-1011 and DC-10 which I thought were big back then but the 747 was huge! It was interesting to see how China Air operates. Enjoyed the video!

[@sebinamuwanga]

So, won't the American President ever fly on aircraft with glass cockpits? He flies on the 757 on some occasions and it has a glass cockpit.

[@SamChui]

Thanks for sharing your 747 AF1 experience.

[@TheRiverPirate13]

@@sebinamuwanga I am sure by now they have better shielding of the flight electronics of Presidential planes then they had back then. The new Presidential 747-800 will no doubt have a glass canopy but super secret shielding tech.

[@sebinamuwanga]

@@TheRiverPirate13 I hear you. I also think the secret service had no choice but to procure the 747-200 because the 400 was not available in 1987 when the current aircraft were procured.

[@TheRiverPirate13]

@@sebinamuwanga I was told me the two 747-200 were taken at random off the Boeing assembly line that were being built. They were then upgraded to Presidential. The engines are not standard for a passenger 747. Both 747’s have a higher top speed and have a extended range than the passenger version. I asked why not go to the 747-400 or upgrade the 200 to have glass canopy and that the whole nuclear blast issue requires analog instruments. Like I said, I’m sure now after 9/11 that plane probably has all sorts of improvements since I was onboard. The hanger could hold both 747’s and 3 Gulfstream G5’s. I had never been in such big hanger! I would love to see a 747 jet again!

[@adeelj6666]

Hi Sam, I'm glad to see you in good spirit. You raise genuine concerns about consumer protection in China, I really hope the government will take this into account and implement for the greater good of not only for Chinese citizens but for all users of state owned transport industry.

[@jianwei2009]

While this is not a negative statement about Sam, I have to point out that China does have similar consumer protection laws / regulations about airline delays. Each airline, including Air China, has specific rules for reimbursement when delay occurred due to airline issues. For example, Air China will offer RMB 200 for delays between 4-8 hours and 400RMB for delays >= 8 hours. This is of course in addition to accommodations required for delayed and canceled flights. Lastly I have to point out that flight delay insurance is very common in China and can be purchased easily when you book the ticket.

[@reimuhakurei3601]

I've flown on the same plane as you in July! It was quite an experience and SZX is a beautiful airport!

[@tomcai]

Sam哥说中文的时候带出了一点儿京腔，听着很亲切~

[@mugenzj2169]

@SamChui fun fact: President Kim Jong Un also flew on B-2447 from Pyongyang to Singapore and back in 2018. ;)

[@Stickman60511]

Whoo the queen of the skies

[@saschapeischl4690]

Of course the a380 😊

[@harrypan3778]

Wonderful movie，and we can see Sam has a chinese heart through the ending cut

[@JaxRwld]

14:20 Great shot Sam just fantastic.

[@tobybotleader5915]

the standard route for aircraft from pek to szx is meant to go west after take off toward RUSDO due to the notorious route design of china. On the early days when daxing airport opens and they redesigned the route structures, if you go to Japan and korea which is at the east, the standards departure take you to the west and go all the way around beijing city for a additional 100 to 200km.

[@MegaBoeing747400]

Thanks for sharing this awesome experience Sam. Sorry to hear about the delay, but definitely awesome that the replacement aircraft was another 747-400. While I've flown the 747-400s several times with other airlines, I never got to fly Air China's 747-400, but got to fly their 747-8s several times between JFK and PEK, and a couple times between SFO and PEK, in both economy class and upper deck business class. My first ride on Air China's 747 was on B-2479, the 747-8 that's currently China's Air Force One. Hopefully their 747s will eventually come back to North American soil. And hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to fly on Air China's 747-400 at least once.

[@angelsiu5401]

Air China 🇨🇳 to Hong Hong and American 🇺🇸 and Singapore 🇸🇬 and Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 and experience is air China 🇨🇳 is my favourite place in the city of China 🇨🇳 planning a new plane ✈️ for my new apartment in June 3 July 10

[@lakminigallage5403]

We always love your videos ...from.. 🇱🇰 ❤️❤️❤️

[@matsenko]

Hey Sam, i love you speak chinese on this video :) makes it more authentic and exotic, even if im your subscriber for years. keep it up please

[@qingyangzhang6093]

I have always been confused by the Chinese leadership using commercial B747s. First of all, this doesn't square with their obsession with secrecy. Then, there is considerable time wasted for a turnaround when switching between VIP and commercial roles (which happens often for B-2472). Finally, a B767 on the VIP fleet was bugged before by American mechanics, and someone can conceivably do it again as a passenger.

[@laucheunghei]

It just costs less...

[@TheAminoamigo]

It may change in the future now that they have Chinese aircraft manufacturers like Comac

[@Kenttheclark]

That’s the point actually. Because the CIA can’t bug all commercial aircraft delivered by Boeing to China.

[@notalpha8280]

It’s probably something due to the CCP values and anti-corruption

[@suckmemore]

brandon's airforce one surely put this in "sham"! ha.............

[@ningboflyer3871]

Thank you Sam for taking me to see one of the rarest birds in the sky. In early 2020, I tried to experience the Boeing747-400 in Thailand onboard Thai Airways. However, it was changed to a Boeing 777-200 ER with short notice. Hopefully, I could manage to fly either Air China's or Asiana's Boeing 747-400s at the end of this year before their retirements.

[@arinq3228]

Just a small notice, I don't think Asiana allows passengers to take videos walking into the plane. I flied on Asiana A380 this summer and they reject to sign my flight log and stopped me from filming my traveling vlog on board. So if you want to keep some record for the journey, Asiana might not be the best choice.

[@ronaldcuieii8639]

Awesome shot of the 747 on the front cover of this vlog, very sharp.

[@adrian5206]

I was just here last month from a summer camp tour in Beijing and Guangzhou, good times to recall!

[@floraexoticsfloraexotics]

Thanks as always Sam. Wow are you serious it’s just 30 % more to upgrade to the business class ? All the airlines in the world should offer the same kind of pricing. ❤

[@sio2hf430]

In china pay 30％ more to upgrade is common i think. there are a lot of air lines only need to pay less than 40$ for upgrade. Take my travel to chengdu as an example. the economy class is 890YUAN, however the business class is only 1090YUAN.

[@isaiahanthony713]

Its 50%

[@astrid7727]

Actually B747-400 isn’t my favorite airline but at February 18th 2020, I went to BALI for family vacation from Korea and rode Korean air B747-400 (HL7402) and at that time I didn’t take much photo. But sadly that was Korean Air’s last B747-400 flight on that day. All the crews didn’t knew it😢

[@user-em1dg4mq4s]

Memorable experience！Welcome to Shenzhen again,it’s a great city.❤

[@collin6238]

Sam you just nailed it with this video

[@sunj8346]

I remember the longest time I had a delay was at Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport. It was about 4 hours and 50 minutes delay. (not counting other weather condition) I remember at that time the airline would need to compensate only if the delay is over 5 hours.

[@breconprior]

I went to china for the first time recently and I was shocked as to how little international flights there were even in the big airports.

[@deezeed2817]

Inbound and Outbound tourism hasn't really recovered. To be honest i don't think it ever will anytime soon give the current geopolitical conditions and new economic realities.

[@jackhuangys]

Lots of international flights depart from T2 if you are referring to PEK, but yes the numbers are low comparing with pre-Covid

[@cuckoonut1208]

@@deezeed2817 Yeah, Unfortunately no effort is being made to repair their International image and win trust back.

[@deezeed2817]

@@cuckoonut1208 Nah it’s exactly how Americans want it. Us Vs Them. It’s how the U.S system works. Create an enemy and then justify billions in military spending.

[@mollari2261]

That’s because no one wants to go to China any more. I wonder why. Maybe because they’re pissing off the entire world.

[@roccoboy32]

I had the pleasure of seeing this plane in Ottawa in 2016 during premier Li Keqiang's official visit to Canada. Love the 747.

[@MisakaSkywalker]

I’ve flown the same aircraft two months ago and everything is really smooth.

[@RogerGaloubet]

My one and only trip to China was a one day return flight from Bangkok to Shanghai in June 2009 to see the total solar eclipse (which I didn't see as it was raining!). I flew with Thai Airways. We were ready to push back from Shanghai on time when the pilot said something to the ATC. A guy at ATC was so annoyed at the comment that he refused departure for another 4 hours! We were all stuck on the 747 all that time so the cabin staff served our meals whilst we were waiting. I won't be flying to China again if I can help it.

[@MisakaSkywalker]

Well, about the consumer protection laws in China, it’s hard to explain it clearly here. But there is a complete set of laws, just not known by most ordinary people. Most ordinary people in China will choose to use media to complain about the companies or directly complain to the staff instead of using the law or the report system. In this case, the companies just choose to not follow the laws because this wouldn’t do harm to themselves.

[@DeshanDevendra]

To be honest sam, I once in a sudden rush flew to sri lanka via Air China. Was lucky enough to fly with the Heavy 747 and honest to say that the service was damn quality at economy! I will rate 9/10 with my flying history with different airlines.

[@Gigio2]

Hi Sam, I love you and your videos! Amazing 747-400´shadow at the time of landing!!! Keep go on!! Regards

[@Gigio2]

Dear Sam, I prefer do not have any social media! Thank you very much! You are the best about in aviation’s videos!

[@saschapeischl4690]

I want to live Sams life too, travelling around the world all the time 😊

[@guesswh9561]

whats stopping you? all you have need to start is updated phone, save up for the first trip and record your flight, and keep repeating till you make income of your videos

[@saschapeischl4690]

@@guesswh9561 yes okay Bro 😃 i will try , thx for your advice 👍🙏

[@gebe8978]

The second 747 would still look great with minor updates, and certainly better than the crowded A380 upper deck business class. The frist one didn't look that bad either. First time I was on a 747 business class was with Thai Airways 13 years ago, and it was worse than that, much worse in terms of seats.

[@abdulmalikidris1278]

China has good flying deals. I love going around the country by plane to see the beautiful sceneries.

[@pundog1808]

Love it 747 I still remember flying air Nz 747 from Rarotonga to Auckland Nz in the early 90s👍👍and Thai Airways..

[@kooldude123]

damn that guy complaining was ballsy. Publicly freaking out like that is an instant -1000 hit to his social credit score.

[@WANDERER0070]

Social credit is fake news made up by US anti China propaganda bro 😂

[@jackzhi3172]

There is no social credit score in China.

[@kooldude123]

thats what they want you to believe @@jackzhi3172

[@keirra5096]

I feel like the Chinese government needs to plan better. I know those other passengers were really upset. Glad y’all were able to board another Boeing-747-400. Stay safe sam.😊

[@l2etranger]

Awesome video ❤🙏🏾

[@haha520]

very special experience for the 747-400 trip

[@DupDo]

2:45 putting up the leg up like that? sheesh, goes to show money can never buy you class

[@IndaloMan]

As someone who has just retired after 40+ years of business air travel globally, including many 747 flights in 80s and 90s, I have never understood the YT channel obsession with this aircraft. Is it because younger viewers will never fly them? Emirates A380 Biz Class is far superior to any airlines 747 as it is a newer design/technology.

[@KuroRyuu86]

Think about it this way. There's a specific car poster in your childhood bedroom that you have dreamed of owning or driving one (or something you want but cannot have). Regardless of age and tech, you would still want to fullfill that wish right? It's the same with Sam's love for the 747. He is basically riding on all the 747's before they go out of service as a momento for himself and the people who watch this. It's documented into History with video proof. Without the 747, the A380 would'nt have exisited. Tech is will keep getting better and the A380 will become the 747 after a decade or so.

[@MEGAMindGPT]

得不到的是最好的

[@muravi8167]

After all these decades..... what an impressive aircraft is B747.

[@kulvirsidhu8885]

Beautiful landing