A recent incident revealed that a passenger jet came too close to Air Force One while en route to the UK. The large Boeing 747 was flying over New York when air traffic controllers noticed a Spirit Airlines plane on a similar flight path. The controllers promptly instructed the pilots of the passenger plane to alter their course.
Although the two planes remained at a safe distance and were not at risk of breaching safety protocols, the Spirit Flight 1300, en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, adjusted its direction after receiving a directive from the controller to be attentive and refrain from using electronic devices.
The controller can be heard on the audio instructing, “Spirit 13 hundred, turn 20 degrees right immediately.” Additionally, the controller alerted Delta 951 Boston Centre about the proximity of the Spirit 1300, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and maintain a safe distance from the Boeing 747.
Following the incident, President Trump and First Lady Melania safely arrived in the UK for a state visit. They are scheduled to attend a state banquet with the King and Queen. The King is set to deliver a welcoming speech to the US president, while Queen Camilla will showcase an antique dolls’ house crafted by Sir Edwin Lutyens over a century ago.
Prince William and Catherine will also be part of the official welcome for the American president during his visit.