Trump travels to Alaska for summit with Putin amid ongoing Ukraine conflict

As reported by the BBC, “according to the president’s official schedule, departure from Joint Base Andrews was planned for 06:45 EDT, though the aircraft left later than anticipated.” The seven-hour flight precedes high-level discussions between Trump and Putin focused on efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Flight data shows that the US Air Force Boeing C-32A (registration 09-0016) is scheduled to arrive in Anchorage at 10:21 local time and was flying over Alberta, Canada at last report. Multiple Russian government aircraft arrived earlier using Ilyushin Il-96-300s operated by Rossiya Special Flight Squadron.

Air Force One serves as both secure transport and mobile command center for the president. The VC-25A offers about 4,000 square feet across multiple decks and can accommodate approximately 70 passengers and up to 26 crew members. Its upper deck houses advanced avionics and communications systems as well as defensive features. The main deck includes a private presidential suite with living quarters and an “Oval Office in the sky,” along with medical facilities staffed by a physician. There are also meeting rooms, dining areas with videoconferencing capabilities, workspaces for staff, guest seating areas, security detail sections, and press accommodations.

The current fleet of presidential aircraft has been operational since the 1990s and is nearing retirement due to increasing maintenance needs and outdated technology. In response to these challenges, Boeing was awarded a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 to replace them with two VC-25B jets based on the Boeing 747-8 platform. These new planes are undergoing extensive retrofitting but have faced delays due to engineering issues and supply chain disruptions at Boeing’s San Antonio facility. As a result of these setbacks—and losses exceeding $2 billion under its fixed-price contract—delivery of the first VC-25B is now expected no earlier than 2027; some estimates suggest it could be delayed until as late as 2029.