Alerts Sign-up
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.
