The Enduring Impact Of The Name
Thanks to movies like ‘Air Force One,’ nearly everyone now associates this name with the presidential airliner. However, Air Force One wasn’t always the designation. In 1953, President Dwight Eisenhower was aboard his aircraft, which bore the name Air Force 8610. Coincidentally, at the same time, an Eastern Air Lines plane with flight number 8610 also shared this name. It became apparent to the aviation community that the presidential plane needed a more distinctive moniker to prevent any potential air confusion. Since 1953, the name Air Force One has endured. Given its popular portrayal in films featuring Harrison Ford, it’s improbable that such a mix-up will occur again.
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