Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Xi Jinping’s Special Aircraft and Limousine Secure BRICS Travel
Xi Jinping travels with special vehicles when he visits other countries.
He flew to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit in a modified Boeing 747-8.
The plane was once used as a commercial passenger aircraft.
It was later changed to include private spaces and special communication equipment.
These systems reportedly help Xi communicate with officials in China.
After landing, he uses a Hongqi N701 limousine.
The car is built with armor, bulletproof glass and protected tires.
China began sending its own leadership cars abroad instead of always using vehicles supplied by host countries.
Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13.
His main aircraft is a modified Boeing 747-8 operated by Air China.
The aircraft reportedly includes encrypted communications, threat-detection systems and missile-defense countermeasures.
After landing, Xi travels in the Hongqi N701, a specially built state limousine.
The N701 reportedly features armor, bulletproof glass, protected wheels and other defensive systems.
- Who
- Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- What
- Xi traveled to the BRICS Summit using a specially modified aircraft and a protected Hongqi N701 limousine.
- When
- September 12 and 13, during the 18th BRICS Summit; the aircraft entered state service in autumn 2016.
- Where
- New Delhi, India, with communications reportedly linking the aircraft to Beijing.
- Why
- To provide secure transportation, communications and protection during overseas travel.
- Aircraft
- Modified Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental operated by Air China.
- Aircraft conversion
- Taken out of commercial service in May 2015 for a major conversion.
- State service
- Entered service as China’s primary state aircraft in autumn 2016.
- Aircraft systems
- Reportedly includes encrypted satellite communications, threat detection, missile-defense countermeasures and EMP shielding.
- Limousine
- Hongqi N701, a bespoke vehicle built for China’s top leadership.
- Limousine protection
- Reportedly has bulletproof glass, reinforced armor and 21-inch bulletproof wheels and tires.
- Earlier practice
- Xi took his own Hongqi L5 to New Zealand in November 2014, changing the practice of generally using host-country vehicles.