Plane enthusiasts eager to see Trump’s aircraft at Schiphol ahead of NATO summit

Plane enthusiasts are gearing up for the arrival of numerous government aircraft at Schiphol Airport ahead of the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Many aviation enthusiasts are particularly eager to photograph Air Force One, the plane on which U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive.

Storm Idema, 22, from Alphen in Noord-Brabant, told ANP, “It’s the first time I can photograph him.” He traveled to Amsterdam for the weekend, staying with acquaintances because hotels were “a bit expensive,” and took time off work specifically for the event.

Idema hopes for good weather but admits he is a bit nervous. “Especially about runway use. I hope Air Force One doesn’t suddenly switch to another runway at the last minute. But I have a radio scanner and I’m keeping a close eye on everything.” He has yet to decide where to position himself, noting that it depends on the wind and the planes’ landing patterns.

Another spotter, 22-year-old Maik, who preferred not to share his last name, also plans to capture Air Force One. “That’s one I still need,” he said. He expects the U.S. president to arrive over the weekend, giving Trump time to recover from jet lag. Maik will drive two hours to Schiphol but considers it worth the effort. He also hopes to photograph other government jets, mentioning an interest in those of Qatar and Kuwait. “I hope Qatar brings some cool stuff. And I really want to get Kuwait’s plane too,” he told ANP.

Nineteen-year-old Timen van Veen from Amsterdam is likewise looking forward to Air Force One’s arrival. “It’s probably the most special plane in the world. It’s a beautiful aircraft, and it’s incredibly loud when you’re standing underneath it.” However, Van Veen is concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the event. “I expect many road closures and lots of people coming. It will probably be hard to find a good spot,” he told ANP.

The spotters stay connected via group chats and frequently check Scramble.nl, a website that provides up-to-date flight information. “If anyone catches wind of something, they quickly post it on Scramble,” Maik explained told ANP. “We cooperate well—everyone wants to see that plane.”

Idema noted that the first U.S. government plane arrived in the Netherlands last week, carrying a delegation preparing for the president’s arrival. “I expect more planes to come, like a cargo aircraft carrying his car.” He anticipates that spotters from across the Netherlands and abroad will attend the NATO summit. “It’s an important event, after all.”