Synopsis

When Air Force One is hijacked by Russian terrorists demanding the release of a dictator, the president hides aboard the damaged aircraft rather than escape. Cut off from military support and surrounded by hostages, he secretly fights to regain control of the plane, protect his family, and prevent the crisis from becoming an international catastrophe.

Factoids & Trivia

• The production initially struggled to gain access to the real Air Force One. A phone call from Harrison Ford to the White House reportedly helped secure a tour for members of the crew.

• For exterior shots, the filmmakers rented a Boeing 747-146 from Kalitta Air and repainted it in a presidential livery. Much of the aircraft interior was recreated on sets.

• The movie's escape pod is fictional. The real presidential aircraft does not include an escape capsule for the president.

• F-15 Eagle fighters from Eglin Air Force Base were used in the film. Aircraft sounds were also specially recorded for the production at Edwards Air Force Base.

• Several locations stood in for international settings. Los Angeles International Airport represented Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, while locations in Ohio portrayed scenes set in Germany and Kazakhstan.

• Randy Newman was originally hired to write the score, but Jerry Goldsmith replaced him late in production and completed an alternative score in only 12 days.

• The lead role was initially written with Kevin Costner in mind. Costner's commitment to The Postman led him to suggest Harrison Ford for the part.

• The film became one of the era's notable "Die Hard on a..." action thrillers, transferring the contained hostage formula from a building to the presidential aircraft.