US Air Force modifies Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8 for potential presidential transport

President Donald Trump has said he expects to use the modified jet by February 2026, with plans to fly on it before his term ends in January 2029. Reports indicate that when Trump leaves office, ownership of the jet will transfer to his Presidential Library. An Air Force spokesperson commented on September 15, 2025: “As directed by the Secretary of War, the Air Force is modifying a Boeing 747 aircraft for Executive Airlift support. Details related to the contract are classified.”

Comparisons between standard commercial Boeing 747-8s and current Air Force One jets show significant differences in capabilities and security features. The VC-25 variant is equipped with advanced technology such as aerial refueling capability, EMP-hardened communications systems, secure networks, a dedicated medical suite, and defensive countermeasures like missile-warning sensors and flares. In contrast, an unmodified or lightly modified commercial 747 lacks these protections and specialized equipment.

Aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia told NBC News that upgrading a used commercial jetliner to meet Air Force One standards would require “billions and take years,” involving extensive disassembly and reconstruction to reach required security levels.

Boeing's next-generation VC-25B program was announced in August 2017 with an original completion date set for 2024. However, according to CNN reporting (https://www.cnn.com/), Boeing has faced significant challenges including losses estimated at $2.5 billion on its $3.9 billion contract for developing new presidential aircraft.

The process of converting a secondhand Boeing 747-8 into a secure command center suitable for presidential use is expected to be costly and time-consuming. Experts warn that shortcuts could pose major national security risks due to insufficient protection against electronic threats or physical attacks.