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Preparing for the President

The staff of Cornwall Airport Newquay prepare to receive President Biden and other world leaders for the G7 summit in June - a huge challenge for this tiny airport.

The staff of Cornwall Airport Newquay prepare to receive President Biden and other world leaders for the G7 summit in June.

The stakes couldn't be higher for airport boss Pete Downes. This is President Biden's first foreign trip since taking office and receiving a huge aircraft like Air Force One presents a big challenge for this tiny airport.

Preparations begin months in advance. Pete and his team must oversee the construction of a whole new parking area for the world leaders' aircraft, as well as a brand new building. Then they must seamlessly coordinate the arrival and departure of scores of aircraft carrying prime ministers, presidents and their entourages.

For a weekend, the eyes of the world will be on Cornwall. Should anything go wrong, the team know it will be international news.

Producer: Laurence Grissell

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28 minutes

Last on

Mon 13 Dec 2021 11:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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