Every September, just after the middle of the month, the leaders of the world descend on New York City. Road closures, particularly in Manhattan snarl traffic. The police presence in the city is heavily beefed up, with officers from a multitude of agencies providing increased security. The term “frozen zone” becomes a buzzword and a warning that your commute is about to become much longer. In short, life as a New Yorker becomes just a bit more difficult. Of course not everybody views this whole experience as a negative. For plane spotters, it is one of the best weeks of the year

The leaders have arrived for the General Debate at the United Nations on the east side of Midtown Manhattan. This event is more commonly known as the ‘General Assembly’ (which actually refers to the body of diplomats and the year-long session) or UN Week. The General Debate gives each nation the opportunity to present a short speech on the issues currently affecting it. These speeches may be given by the ambassador or a secretary or minister. However, it is often the nation’s leader making the presentation, and they usually prefer to arrive in style.

Most people are familiar with the aircraft that are commonly known as Air Force 1: the pair of modified Boeing 747-200s (SAM28000 and SAM29000) that the President of the United States travels the world in. While these aircraft are among the largest used by a head of state, the US is far from the only nation…