Early Stages
Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first president to fly in a military aircraft while in office. During World War II, with a lot of foreign threats to the president, aircraft safety became a priority to the secret service. When FDR needed to be flown around to meet with foreign allies, the codenamed C-87A became the first plane to be known as a specific plane for the president.
The plane known as Air Force One become popular under JFK's term as president. The military purchased the new Boeing 707 jet and introduced it into the presidential fleet. Air travel was becoming more and more popular as there was a demand for the president to be traveling and interacting with the country.
The evolution of Air Force One continued to evolve during the term of Ronald Reagan. Reagan was historically known as one of the most visible and mobile presidents. The continued demand for first class air travel for the president prompted the purchase of the Boeing 747 to be added to the presidential fleet.
Evolution of the AIRcraft
Air Force one today
Air Force One is known for being the most advanced, most luxurious, and most secure aircraft in the world. Combining the massive size of the Boeing 747, and the luxury expected in the transport of the president, Air Force One gives any passenger the most first class experience in flying. As technology evolves there is a demand for newer and greater ideas; consequently, the United States is looking into purchasing a newer model of aircraft for Air Force One. Although no certain changes have been made, officials are discussing the conversion over to an Airbus A380 or the new Boeing 787 aircraft.