Quantcast

Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
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
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
Global Industry News
Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets
Policy
Webp vc 25a
VC-25A Air Force One | Wikipedia

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
Subscribe
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

Singapore Airlines expands meal pre-order options for premium passengers

Singapore Airlines has announced the expansion of its "Book the Cook" meal pre-ordering service for eligible premium-class passengers, as said on its website.

Jul 23, 2025

Allegiant Air offers $100 off Las Vegas air and hotel packages

Allegiant Air has announced a promotional offer on the social media platform X, providing a $100 discount on Las Vegas air and hotel packages.

Jul 22, 2025

EVA Air launches free Wi-Fi upgrade for all cabin classes

EVA Air has announced a free Wi-Fi upgrade for all cabin classes on select aircraft, available from July 1 through September 30.

Jul 22, 2025

Emirates adds third daily flight to Dublin starting Oct. 26

Emirates announced on X that it will add a third daily flight to Dublin starting October 26, providing morning, afternoon, and evening departures for greater flexibility.

Jul 22, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines offers twice-daily flights from Juba to Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kigali, and Entebbe

Ethiopian Airlines has announced on the social media platform X that it is now offering twice-daily flights from Juba to Addis Ababa, Cairo, Kigali, and Entebbe.

Jul 22, 2025

Etihad Airways activates codeshare with Ethiopian Airlines

Etihad Airways has announced the activation of its codeshare agreement with Ethiopian Airlines, enhancing access to 55 African destinations and connecting Africa with Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Jul 22, 2025

Aviation Comments
Loading...

No comments available.

Trending
1

Singapore Airlines expands meal pre-order options for premium passengers

2

Flying Food Group honors employees at monthly celebration

3

LAX announces full closure of Aviation Boulevard between Arbor Vitae and Century

4

Flying Food Group hiring CDL Class B drivers in Inglewood, CA