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 U.S. Air Force is replacing its aging VC-25A (Boeing 747-200B) Air Force One fleet with two new, more efficient Boeing 747-8s (VC-25Bs).
The replacement project has faced significant delays, pushing delivery years beyond the initial 2024 target, and been plagued by cost overruns and political controversies, despite Boeing agreeing to a fixed-price contract.
Delays were caused by ambitious timelines, supply chain issues, and design controversies like a proposed dark blue livery that would have absorbed too much heat and damaged electrical components.
The new VC-25Bs will undergo extensive "Special Air Mission" modifications to serve as a self-sufficient "flying Oval Office" with advanced communications, security systems, and specialized amenities.

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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.