12? I rather doubt that. The US AF only operates two VC-25's (747) (known as AF when CIC is aboard). The other 747 in the military fleet are configured for specialty missions, not passenger transport. The other passenger planes are all C-32's (757) and a C-40 (737), I believe.
When the President travels, in addition to the VC-25 and the trailing additional passenger aircraft, SS will also take at least one C-17, perhaps more than one depending on the mission requirements. I could see 6 planes perhaps, but not 12.
I appreciate two only for the president however on trips like this 100’s of staff go as well.
President Clinton took 1,302 people on his African trip in 1998.
The DOD paid for 904 of those people. Ignoring the cargo planes needed for armored limousines, helicopters, and other equipment, tell me, how many planes would be required?
Story says 71 cars in his group so I am guessing more then a couple of air planes.
http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0911/71_vehicles.html