On July 12, 2024, it will be recorded in the history of Spain as the day when the future queen, Princess Leonor, embarked on her first official trip abroad.
On this occasion, the daughter of the king chose Portugal as her destination, strengthening the ties between the neighboring countries.
The selection of Lisbon as the starting point was not accidental. The excellent diplomatic relationship and geographical proximity made the Portuguese capital the ideal place for this significant step in the life of the heir to the Spanish throne.
What Princess Leonor’s plane looks like
Princess Leonor traveled in a private plane, specifically a Falcon 900 manufactured by the prestigious French company Dassault Aviation.
According to reports from the Spanish press, the aircraft, identified as 45-05, is part of the Spanish Air Force fleet.
This group of planes, which also includes two Airbus 310s, is intended for VIP transfers, such as the Prime Minister and the Royal Family. On exceptional occasions, these planes are also used for humanitarian missions.
The Falcon 900, with a capacity for up to 19 passengers, has a flight autonomy of seven hours.
In official flights like this, nothing is left to chance. The aircraft is crewed by two highly trained pilots and, in some cases, a support mechanic.
With a length of approximately 65.6 feet and a cruising speed of around 576 miles per hour, the Falcon 900 is ideal for short and medium-distance flights.
Additionally, it undergoes annual inspections and thorough checks to ensure safety and optimal performance.
The Princess Leonor’s plane is elegantly decorated with high-quality materials and a modern design.
Princess Leonor’s Trip to Portugal
Before landing at the military airport in Lisbon, the young Princess was bid farewell with honors at the Madrid airport, a customary protocol for such events.
Her first stop in Portugal was at the tomb of Luis de Camões, the illustrious Portuguese writer and poet. Later, she participated in a lunch where she delivered brief yet significant words.
Leonor also received the Grand Cross of the Military Order of Christ from the Portuguese president. As a final point, Princess Leonor visited the Oceanário de Lisboa.
La Princesa de Asturias inicia su viaje oficial a la República Portuguesa.
➡️https://t.co/mfSlGjIHJg pic.twitter.com/bctYoo9BK0
— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) July 12, 2024