Air Force One: The Next Generation

The famous Boeing aircraft has been producing serious presidential lift for quite some time—and it’s due for replacement.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, April 29, 2024 at 09:04 AM ET

Verified

Air Force One is due to be replaced, but it may not happen in 2024 as was planned. [U.S. Government Works]

Key Takeaways:

The Air Force is replacing its aging Boeing 747-200B (VC-25A) Air Force One fleet with more fuel-efficient Boeing 747-8s (VC-25B) due to maintenance costs, efficiency, and environmental concerns.
The replacement program has faced multiple delays, pushing its delivery years beyond the initial 2024 target, and encountered significant cost challenges, including a fixed-price contract Boeing now regrets, early delivery demands, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a rejected dark blue livery.
The new Air Force One aircraft undergo extensive, classified "Special Air Mission" modifications to serve as a self-sufficient "flying Oval Office," featuring advanced telecommunications, security systems, and comprehensive facilities for the President, staff, and crew.

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Air Force One is perhaps the most recognizable Boeing in the sky, providing lift for the president of the United States and their entourage—and it’s due for replacement. There have been multiple delays, and the aircraft that were supposed to be ready in 2024 are likely several years away.

Replacing a VC-25A

In 2015 the Air Force announced plans to replace the pair of Boeing 747-200Bs that have served the president of the United States since 1990 with two Boeing 747-8s. The Air Force designation for the 747-200B is VC-25A, with the “V” denoting a VIP/executive configuration and the “C” standing for cargo.