Aging Boeing VC-25A's Electrical Issue Spurs New Urgency for Delayed Air Force One Replacement
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A minor electrical issue on President Trump's aging Boeing VC-25A Air Force One forced a return to Joint Base Andrews, intensifying concerns over the delayed VC-25B replacement program.
Key Takeaways
- •The Boeing VC-25A (747-200B) fleet, in service since 1990, faces increasing reliability issues due to its age and parts obsolescence.
- •The VC-25B replacement program, utilizing two Boeing 747-8s, is significantly delayed, with the first delivery now projected for mid-2028.
- •The U.S. Air Force spent $400 million on two ex-Lufthansa Boeing 747-8s for training and spare parts to support the future fleet.
The aging Air Force One aircraft fleet is again under scrutiny following a technical issue this week.
The Boeing VC-25A, a highly modified 747-200B, was carrying President Donald Trump to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland when it experienced a "minor electrical issue" shortly after takeoff on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the plane returned to Joint Base Andrews out of an abundance of caution. The president and his team quickly switched to a backup Boeing C-32A, a military version of the 757 jetliner, to continue the trip. The incident highlights the growing reliability concerns surrounding the decades-old presidential airlift fleet.
The Aging VC-25A Fleet
The current two VC-25A jets, often referred to by the callsign Air Force One when the President is aboard, have been in service since 1990. This makes the Boeing 747-200B variants over three decades old. While they are among the best-maintained aircraft globally, their age presents significant maintenance and parts obsolescence challenges. Commercial operators have largely retired the 747-200 variant, making spare parts scarce. The Air Force has long been working to upgrade the fleet, a process complicated by the aircraft's unique and highly classified mission requirements. This week's event marks the second time in recent months the president has been forced to use a backup aircraft due to a technical problem.
Delays Plague the VC-25B Replacement
Efforts to replace the current jets fall under the VC-25B replacement program, which has faced multiple delays and cost overruns. The program involves converting two Boeing 747-8 aircraft into the next-generation presidential transports. These new aircraft are designed to serve as a flying White House for the next 30 years. The original delivery date for the first jet was set for 2024, but this timeline has been repeatedly pushed back.
Current Program Status
- Projected Delivery: The U.S. Air Force now expects the first VC-25B aircraft delivery in mid-2028.
- Contract Value: A December 2025 contract modification for communications upgrades brought the total contract value with Boeing to over $4.3 billion.
- Modifications: The 747-8 modifications include electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, and enhanced autonomous ground operations capabilities.
Strategic Fleet Expansion and Spares
To mitigate sustainment risks for the future 747-8 fleet, the US Air Force announced a strategic purchase in December 2025. The service is acquiring two additional Boeing 747-8 jets from the German carrier Lufthansa for $400 million. These aircraft will be used primarily for aircrew training and as a vital source of spare parts, as the 747-8 is no longer in production. The first of the ex-Lufthansa aircraft is expected to arrive in early 2026, with the second by the end of the year.
Separately, a Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar is also undergoing modifications to potentially serve as an interim presidential transport. This multi-pronged approach underscores the critical need to modernize the presidential airlift fleet and address the challenges posed by the aging Air Force One aircraft before the VC-25B replacement program is fully realized in 2028.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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