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.

[@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.

[@Urboyfromfuture]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@yingdongduan205]

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

[@chengyizhang6634]

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

[@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."

[@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

[@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.

[@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. "-)

[@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 !) 🙏🏽🌼🐞🍀✨

[@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".

[@jamessmith1652]

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

[@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!

[@gloriclyoko]

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

[@yujianhu4207]

这两架飞机 真的是所有中国航空迷最想要的体验了！

[@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.

[@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.

[@moonlee9898]

I just took the same route with 744 B-2447 last month. This lounge is definitely the shittiest business lounge of a flag carrier you can ever expect. LOL. But the Queen is sooooo thrilling.

[@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.

[@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. 😁

[@HarryAn-q2n]

I remember flying air china 747-400 first class when I was 4 and it was so good!

[@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.

[@js2009-g9f]

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!

[@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.

[@marcox2937]

One of the few nations that still uses 747 for domestic flights

[@SunnyShiny1]

Thirty years ago, I had to travel a lot to different Chinese cities on business trips. Delay was a norm disregard which airline I travelled on. No reasons were given, no announcement. After thirty years, I am surprised this "norm" is still exists. 😣

[@PnRoll]

That landing was pure class! Majestic

[@LetsgowithHyro]

Awesome experience to take us along. Thank you Sam!

[@rehanhapis162]

Same as Indonesian president. They use PK-GIG Garuda Indonesia’s B777-300er. The plane is scheduled on common routine when off duty.

[@harrypan3778]

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

[@WhakataneMaori]

I am about to fly Business on Air China from Beijing to Hong Kong next week, and then Hong Kong to Auckland NZ on AorNZ business class.

[@beanoyip06]

Feels like we went back in time.. the seat configuration and screen.

[@HesTNTonPMS]

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

[@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

[@Emirates_A380]

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

[@haha520]

very special experience for the 747-400 trip

[@austinshao6395]

I got the exact same meal you got on a A350-900 20 days ago Suprising how menu did not change

[@jerrythemouse28]

4:38 I flew from DC to Rochester last week on United Express. The plane was delayed at first due to late-arriving crew members, and then it said that the aircraft was under maintenance, and then we started boarding, but a few minutes later, the aircraft's bathroom was leaking and we were forced to switch to another aircraft. At last, we landed 3 hrs late at Rochester

[@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.

[@sunnyyadav-yx7ry]

Boeing 747 is a classic huge four engine plane sometimes passengers have to deal with these sorts of incidence it's not a fault of crew members these are rarely occurence, nice to see the third ones departure B-2447 it's interior was good with various artwork done on it and the meal was looking good and beautiful, I hope it was tasty although I could say that domestic departure on 747 is safer reliable and comfortable all credits to p.L.A and china airlines joint venture.

[@aachenmf7401]

Which reminds me of my bad experience by Lufthansa, flight delayed, gate changed without announcement, and baggage reclaim was also delayed after arrival. Bunch of people waiting in front of the conveyor belt for 2 hours in the mid of night😅, the only compensation was a bottle of water😅 well done, Air China.

[@aachenmf7401]

Seems they acted like a jerk under the same situation 😂

[@lucaslikesaus]

Sam's videos are the best on KZbin

[@bruin1989]

My first ever airplane ride was on a PanAm 747 MNL-GUM-HNL-SFO in 1979. Long live the Queen of the Skies!

[@isaacmacdonald6530]

I flew on a British Airways Boeing 747-400 to London Heathrow from Phoenix Sky Harbor. It was pretty great to fly a B747-400 and I also flew on one with Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Chicago O'Hare. I always loved the B747-400.

[@collin6238]

Sam you just nailed it with this video

[@NicolasTRANG]

15 years ago, it was very common to got delayed, cancellation as the traffic was expanding massively and most of the airspace was for the airforce. We never got compensated. Then in the last 10 years, you would get compensated for delay over few hours if you were not onboard. So companies made you board the plane and wait for hours in the plane. But fortunately, it got better now. I only got compensated once for an overbooked flight

[@haldwchal]

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

[@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!!

[@nak4651]

Those 747 seats look so comfortable...that is, compared to western airlines' uncomfortable fabric and hardwood-feeling monstrosities.

[@weijixu6029]

Thanks for the great video. WOW, you can peak Chinese with Beijing accent.

[@jeffreyjamestv]

I don't make a habit of watching this vlogger as he is so full of himself and I don't like the closeness in which he works with the airlines . His encounter with CNN's Richard Quest was magic in the Quest's clear irritation at being approached to give his impressions of a long range flight. This is in fact the first vide of Chiu I have enjoyed and the fact that everything goes wrong and he is one of the passengers brings out a different colour within him and his presentation. THe encounter with the 'fan' (awful term) who is so excited to be flying on this old 747 is very good as is the follow up when he interviews the boy who is so excited. The best part of the whole thing. I get the feel of the day and Chiu's actual emotions rather than the usual pastiche. If he put his ego away and wound back the adoration of the airline darlings he romances as they romance him with a large following he would be bearable.

[@LordKarma101]

Delays due to mechanical problem happens to other airlines as well....remember these huge planes have over millions parts and mechanical issues will happen. Since safety is the top priority of any airlines, delay will happen as they need to fix the problem. So I rather have a delay than fly with a plane with a mechanical issues.

[@betabot.]

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

[@Brick-Life]

At least you get to ride on 2 B747 in one day!

[@jxckyprod]

Great Video! Love from Beijing!

[@MrMoccachinoo]

I flew the air China 747-400 like 10 years ago between Shanghai and Beijing. A girl spilled some wine over my white T-Shirt… that’s how I meet my girlfriend 😂

[@nixonmigx4333]

i miss delta 747 ❤❤❤❤working this fleet is amazing 💜

[@Matt-bv4dh]

As a chinese, I feel good seeing Sam back to China. Love u

[@sang-cheolkim5149]

Always good informations on various airlines and their fleets. For me interesting moments of this kind was happened in the flight of Chinese Eastern Airlines between Shanghai Pudong to Seoul Incheon, almost 10 years ago. Departure from Shanghai was informed at the boarding gate, then the Airline provided meal box at the gate and compensated for depalying with chinese 500 Yuan.

[@762dracoAK]

That's only $68...time is money

[@waqarghulam3548]

Chinese airline safety regulators are dead serious about safety. They never are lax about safety and enforce the regulations very sternly. I am so impressed about this fact.

[@zhli4238]

Sam's lucky man. In my memory, that stairs to upper level first class was a winding stair, or did it change to this straight one?

[@marijnjc]

There are smaller lounges near the gates which are nicer and not as busy, I don't like sharing a small table with other people, so I prefer to go to those and they have a person warming up food.

[@troopool]

Lets appreciate the kid wearing a messi jersey on the flight

[@BongsUSA-PhDMom]

I experienced the same thing when I was flying United Airlines to Frankfurt from Washington Dulles Airport. I had a connecting flight of Luthansa to Delhi and from Delhi to my hometown Kolkata. We had to deboard the flight at IAD twice and ultimately the captain cancelled the flight. How pathetic. I was stranded at the airport the entire night to rebook it. 😢

[@SirPresidentRoYaL]

It's good that the mechanical issie didn't happen while in the air

[@DeRose05]

That 747 still looks great!

[@Sundance1987]

Thank you Sam, from Florida, USA

[@melo-tc6im]

The lack of passengers in the airport is shocking

[@liolio4198]

I still remember the first time i fly 747 in 1996

[@albertoalvarez7864]

A+ GREAT!!!! I LIKE IT 747

[@Dublinplanespotter99]

Nice video! Lucky you! 😊

[@capricorn839]

I'm glad that you can speak good mandarin👍👍

[@agimternova9299]

I used to fly many times with B747-400 & B747-8, but flying with B747-8 is much more comfortable...✍✍✍

[@jokerc443]

nice video love from china !❤❤

[@alalfred3474]

Air Chia is not famous for its operation, nor service. I got delayed more than six hours onetime from Shenzhen to Beijing. To be fair, frequent air traffic restrictions also contributed to its poor on-time performance.

[@florentgretsch2569]

I had a 7 hours delay on my flight from Luxembourg to Malta. The cause was problem with the presure in the cabin

[@papi8659]

Those economy seats look so,comfortable !!!

[@patriciasinclair9278]

Very sad to see that the airport field ground crew have no ear protection at all.

[@farrukhismail]

Beautiful bird ❤

[@pundog1808]

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

[@princephilipecheng3014]

Bro Sam you so lucky get flight twice.. Cheers Malaysia

[@XRealEstate777]

i can't believe you speak perfect Mandarin. good for you!!

[@proud2318]

Hi Sam excellent. If possible pls try and do a piece on indigo airlines 777 service from india to turkey

[@WINGSANDRAILS]

That's an amazing airport !!!

[@邓艾文-i7e]

It's great that Sam got on a 747-400 in the end. But hopefully the company Air China can get serious about the compensation thing. I don't want to get involved in such a long delay without even a free meal offered! Sound SO Frustrating!

[@SunnyWu]

There was plenty of instant ramen in the lounge. Seems the could have at least offered everyone a bowl... Or just let everyone go to the lounge and pick what they wanted.

[@airwilbasketball]

Hi Sam, what can you say about the bullying that China is doing to the Philippines and other southeast asian countries in the West Philippine sea area?

[@criticizingcriticizer]

The delays of China domestic flights with no consumer protection is what made high speed rail more appealing to some Chinese people in recent years.

[@williamw1125]

The technical issue made all passengers to be the luckiest

[@lffit]

I loved the shadow landing shot!

[@DaNnYMuMu]

That's why I never book a domestic flight with an international connecting flight on the same day when I go to China. Because International flights usually depart on time but hours delay without explanation or compensation are quite the norms for domestics, hence the odds of you missing the connection is normally much higher than you making it. And it's not only CA, but across the board with mainland Chinese airlines.

[@adrianmarcelo5131]

Will you be picking up the brand new LEGO Concorde that was just announced? Looks amazing.

[@rogerrees9845]

Another interesting documentary. I feel sorry for the cabin crew, they obviously were not responsible and politely smiled the way through. With the unreliable China Airlines they must have a terribly difficult working life. Roger......Pembrokeshire U.K.

[@r.parthasarathysarathy3605]

Long to See You Sir Again in Flight .

[@r.parthasarathysarathy3605]

telegram address please

[@kooloneism]

love the editing

[@FrancoisTX1974]

The loud noise on ground is not APU, it’s air conditioning system, called packs and their is 3 on 747.

[@teensexplorer6353]

I love to watch your vidoes

[@stuartkline1611]

Sam, correct me if i'm wrong, but the aircraft you made your flight on appears to be a B748 and not a B744. Safe flights..✈🛩

[@dev_theysleader3184]

That touchdown felt like it didn’t labd