Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

Home
»
Stories
»
2025
»
July

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.

It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year

South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger

China Southern returns to Adelaide

Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025

EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights

Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game

TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks

2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK

EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer

Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says

Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday

US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify

Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’

Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat

Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts

Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger

US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?

Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?

British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown

Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month

United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets

Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations

Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope

Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up

Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage

Global Industry News

Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

Policy

VC-25A Air Force One | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Jul 15, 2025

In recent developments, the United States is preparing to replace its aging VC-25A Air Force One fleet with a new aircraft. The current VC-25A fleet, based on the Boeing 747-200B, has been in service for over thirty years. The replacement will be the VC-25B fleet, based on the newer Boeing 747-8i model.

The U.S. Department of Defense recently accepted a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar's royal family as an interim solution while awaiting the completion of the VC-25B program. This aircraft was officially accepted on May 21, 2025, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

Currently registered as P4-HBJ and formerly A7-HBJ, this Qatari aircraft was initially part of Qatar Amiri Flight's VIP fleet. Built in 2012 and powered by four General Electric GEnx engines, it boasts impressive performance specifications such as a maximum takeoff weight of 987,000 pounds and a range of 7,730 nautical miles.

Get the Newsletter

Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News

By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

As for modifications, L3Harris Technologies is rumored to be handling retrofitting tasks that include installing secure communications systems and other defensive measures. These upgrades aim to meet Air Force One standards.

Historically, the existing VC-25A aircraft were delivered in 1990 during President George H.W. Bush's administration. These planes have unique features like aerial refueling capability and countermeasures against missiles.

Looking forward, two Boeing 747-8i aircraft originally ordered by Transaero are being modified into VC-25B models at Boeing's San Antonio facility. Although initially scheduled for delivery in 2024, delays have pushed this date back to possibly as late as 2029.

The upcoming VC-25B will feature various upgrades similar to its predecessor but with modern enhancements such as infrared countermeasures and missile defense systems. It will also retain aerial refueling capabilities and incorporate advanced communication systems.

Organizations Included in this History

Simple Flying

More News

Aviation Comments

Loading...

No comments available.

Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.

It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel

Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year

South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger

China Southern returns to Adelaide

Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025

EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights

Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks

A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game

TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks

2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK

EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer

Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says

Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday

US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify

Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’

Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat

Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts

Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger

US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?

Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden

Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?

British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown

Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month

United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets

Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al

Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations

Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope

Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up

Delta investigating after plane’s nose mysteriously suffered damage

Organizations Included in this History

More News

Aviation Comments

Loading...

Trending