In what many observers believe is a world first, President Trump exited Air Force One in Abu Dhabi on Thursday via a jetbridge that had been attached to the side of the specially modified Boeing 747-200.
Aviation experts have been racking their brains to think of the last time that a jetbridge was attached to the side of Air Force One during a Presidential mission, and so far, at least, everyone has drawn a blank for the last time that something like this has happened.
Ordinarily, we are used to seeing the President exit Air Force One via mobile airstairs because the aircraft is usually parked far away from airport terminals and other structures that might pose a threat.
Air Force One is also equipped with two retractable airstairs, allowing the President to exit the plane directly onto the tarmac without any independent ground service equipment.
The Secret Service ordinarily insists on the President using mobile airstairs or the inbuilt retractable airstairs to mitigate any security threat posed by having a jetbridge attached to the side of Air Force One.
Of course, this also allows for a grand entrance with a traditional red carpet reception waiting to greet the President with a long line of dignitaries.
President Trump did not, however, have to fear that exiting Air Force One into a jetbridge would be any less grand as on Thursday, he was arriving at a purpose-built airport terminal on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi Airport, which is reserved for the royal family of the emirate along with the most important VIP visitors.
Known as the Presidential Flight Guest Reception Terminal, the secluded and heavily guarded building is a 10,000 square meter terminal with two presidential suites and two Majilis, along with gala and conference rooms, dedicated press rooms, and a formal reception.
There are also two ornate gardens and all the usual airport infrastructure one would expect, such as a fully functioning baggage handling system and the air-conditioned jetbridge, which is most welcome during the UAE’s excruciatingly hot summer months.
Fifty-two thousand square meters of concrete were used to construct the private terminal, along with 23,000 square meters of fine-grained white dolomitic marble quarried in the area of Prilep in North Macedonia.
In aviation-related news during President Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, national flag carrier Etihad Airways announced an order for new planes from Boeing, including its 777X and 787 Dreamliners.
