Heavy Air Force One Damaged Canberra's Runway

Thelegacy of U.S. President George W. Bush's historic trip to Australia three years ago was a hefty repair bill for a damaged airport.

Australian taxpayers were left with a multimillion-dollar bill to fix Canberra airport after the presidential visit in 2003.

A Senate estimates committee heard yesterday that Mr Bush's 374-tonne aircraft, one of two modified Boeing 747s known as Air Force One, was too heavy for the runway.

Concerns about the weight of the plane were raised with the Federal Government by the airport owners after the visit.

Under Labor questioning, bureaucrats from the Department of Transport and Regional Services confirmed that the Commonwealth had made ''arrangements'' to fix the runway, including $28.5 million for runway strengthening, in last year's Budget. But the department denied Air Force One was solely to blame, claiming other military and VIP planes also contributed to the damage.

On board Air Force One, also known as The Flying White House, is a presidential suite, including a dressing room, toilet, shower and office.

There is also a conference room and accommodation for dozens of guests and senior staff.

The aircraft is capable of in-flight refuelling and features state-of-the-art navigation, electronic and communications equipment.

Canberra airport is the only airport in Australia which receives federal funding for runway strengthening.