Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

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Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

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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.

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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.

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Air Force One set for upgrade with new Boeing jets

GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan

New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent

Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes

United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say

The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry

Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport

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Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year

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Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says

Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash

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Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives

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Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally

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Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier

Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer

EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain

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Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka

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Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.

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Organizations Included in this History

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