Many head to Palm Springs International Airport to look at visiting planes
For some, the sight of Air Force One in the desert is becoming as iconic as the windmills.
But it’s the planes from Southeast Asia that have everyone talking.
Parked at Palm Springs International Airport, people can see planes from Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, and of course, Air Force One.
“This is the most heavy jets I’ve seen in the airport in long time. Large jets and they’re all dispersed,” said Fred Bell, the vice chairman of the Palm Springs Air Museum.
From the Palm Springs Air Museum, visitors could clearly see Vietnam and Brunei’s planes.
“The Vietnamese plane is a Dreamliner, which is a brand new airplane. The sultan’s aircraft from Brunei is the same type of aircraft that the president flies, which is pretty unique,” Bell said.
Sunday night, the Republic of Indonesia joined their ranks, but their plane is not as easily seen from the museum.
“You’re not going to see these every day. These are kind of unique airplanes. Some of them are flown by whatever monarchy is in that country. Some of these appear to be whatever airline the country operates,” Bell said.
Richard Stelk used to work for Chevron and did most of business in Southeast Asian countries.
He was out snapping pictures and said he’s happy to see the country strengthening foreign relationships.
“We need to have friends all over the world, whether it’s a small country or a large country. And about 25 to 30 years ago, we really didn’t extend ourselves to a lot of these places. But it is important for us to work together,” Stelk said.
Others were just happy to be in town for this unprecedented event.
“Well, I always love looking at airplanes and seeing different ones. And having Air Force One be here and then all the other dignitaries visiting, I wanted to come by and see who was here,” said Chip Oppenheim, who’s visiting from Oklahoma City.
The summit continues through Tuesday, so those who haven’t had the opportunity to go out and see the planes still have some time.
