Code One

Code One, commonly known as Korean Air Force One, is the name of the Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft which carries the President of South Korea. The current aircraft is a specially upgraded Boeing 747-8i leased from Korean Air. Historically, the lease for Code One has been filled by either Korean Air or Asiana Airlines. It was reported in 2018 that Korean Air's lease expires in March 2021 and that a bidding process was open to secure a new lease. Government officials said that low-cost carriers might be requested to submit bids, in addition to those requested by Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. The aircraft has undergone a "full-scale renovation" which includes "decorating the exterior", as well as customising the interior to include a sleeping area and office, as well as reinforcement to protect the president's security. The current presidential plane has been in service since January 2022 after extensive retrofitting and inspection. There is also an identical plane of the same type that travels with the president at all times for security purposes and to act as a backup in case of an emergency.