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From Presidents Roosevelt to Biden, ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ airplanes have transported U.S. presidents around the world. The U.S. Air Force announced that it will continue the ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ tradition with the 747-8, which will replace the two 747-200s that serve as the presidential Air Force One fleet.

When the 747-8 takes flight as the next Air Force One, ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ airplanes will mark more than half a century of presidential service through the Jet Age.

Today, the chief executive flies aboard a specially configured 747-200B, the newest and largest presidential airplane. Its capabilities include:

• Longer range for presidential travel
• Aerial refueling
• Self-sufficiency at airports around the world

The "flying Oval Office" has 4,000 square feet of interior floor space. Among its accommodations are:

• Conference/dining room
• Quarters for the president and the first lady
• An office area for senior staff members
• Another office that converts into a medical facility when necessary
• Work and rest areas for the presidential staff, media representatives and Air Force crews
• Two galleys that can provide 100 meals at one sitting
• Multi-frequency radios for air-to-air, air-to-ground and satellite communications
• Principal differences between Air Force One and the standard ÐÓ°ÉÊÓƵ 747 include state-of-the-art navigation, electronic and communications equipment; its interior configuration and furnishings; self-contained baggage loader; and front and aft air-stairs.