Story By: Richard Thomas
Photos By: Sol Tucker
New York, NY–
As President Obama arrived in New York this evening for a huge week of meetings with World Leaders, there was plenty on the minds of New Yorkers including the detonation of two homemade bombs, one in Seaside Heights, NJ and one in the Chelsea neighborhood of the City. It is almost guaranteed that the President will speak regarding the incident tomorrow before his week of events.
The President will hold a meeting with Premier Li Keqiang of China on Monday at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. Later in the afternoon, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi of Iraq. Afterward, the President will participate in a meet and greet with staff at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. Secretary Kerry and Ambassador Power.
Tonight he will attend a HVF FUNDRAISING EVENT at a Private Residence.
But before we continue to talk about his week of events, lets not forget one of the bigger stories, his maybe last arrival into NYC aboard Air Force 1.
As the term comes to an end, it also looks like it may be the end of an era for SAM 28000, the 747-200 that has shuttled President Obama for the past eight years is in the process of being replaced by the newer more efficient 747-8 series aircraft, with the first one expected for delivery in 2017.
Back in 2015, the process of replacing the aircraft was announced and the decision to go with Boeing again seemed like a no brainer, however there was a time when bidding was between Airbus in their A380 and the 747-8.
With this last arrival, could this be the last time Obama and the 747-200 hit the tarmac at JFK together and taxi in front of the iconic Pan Am hanger? Only time will tell, but come this Thursday, it may be the last departure as well.
Just like its predecessor the 707, the plane has served as one of the most customized mobile offices in the history of the Presidential Fleet, this next aircraft is certainly going to be just as amazing off the delivery floor.
The second 747-8 is scheduled to arrive by 2019 if not sooner. Until then, SAM 29000 will most likely remain in the fleet as the second Air Force 1 as necessary.