For CIA Eyes Only
Departure Airport: King Khalid International Airport (RUH/OERK)
Arrival Airport: Rochester International Airport (RST/KRST)
Aircraft: 747-8i (BBJ)
Flight Time: 12 hours, 5 minutes
Server: Expert
Backstory: The Saudi Arabian King, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz made a yearly trip to the city of Rochester, in Southeast Minnesota for a checkup. Yes, the checkup where they look in your ears and ask like 3 questions and then you’re back. King Abdulaziz took it a step further, and flies 12 hours to the Mayo Clinic, which is the regarded as the best hospital in the world. In 2010, the Denver Post reported that King Abdulaziz spent 1.5 million dollars during his 2 day stay in Rochester, singlehandedly bolstering the region’s economy out of a slight downturn. I recreated his flight in the BBJ 747-8i, the same aircraft the Saudis own in real life.
Pushing off the stand in Riyadh early in the morning, preparing for our 12 hour trip across the Atlantic.
Rocketing out of the world’s largest airport (by size), banking Northwest.
Crossing the Syria - Turkey border at 34,000 feet
Passing over the coast of the Netherlands, just east of Amsterdam
A 5 course lunch of filet mignon is served as we pass over Greenland. Normally, a glass or two of champagne is called for during times like these, but Saudi Arabia, and it’s King, are alcohol free, in keeping with Islamic law.
The Captian’s view looking south as we enter Canadian airspace
Crossing from Wisconsin into Minnesota on approach to Rochester
Turning base for Runway 13 near Byron, Minnesota
Welcome to Rochester!
The King will be met by a group of American diplomats, welcoming him to the United States. Rather than go into the terminal, a number of Customs and Border Patrol agents will quickly process the King and his entourage, to ensure a hasty exit from the airport. He will then enter an armored SUV, and go to his hotel in a motorcade of around 20 cars.
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