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 current VC-25A Air Force One fleet is being replaced by newer, more efficient VC-25B Boeing 747-8 aircraft due to aging systems and high maintenance costs.
The replacement project has faced significant delays, cost overruns, and controversies, including a fixed-price contract Boeing's CEO later regretted and rejected livery changes.
These Air Force One aircraft are highly customized "flying Oval Offices," featuring advanced security, communication systems, and extensive amenities beyond standard commercial planes.

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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.