Air Force One Bridge Jet: Qatari Boeing 747 Delivery Expedited to Summer 2026

The US Air Force announced a major update for the presidential airlift mission. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the Qatari-donated Boeing 747 jet is expected for delivery by summer 2026. The service calls this aircraft the “VC-25 bridge aircraft.” This timeline is roughly a year after the extensive modification work began.

The VC-25 Bridge Aircraft Project

The Air Force is working to expedite delivery of this jet. This move is a response to significant delays in the main Air Force One replacement program. The donated jet is a Boeing 747, previously used by the Qatari royal family. President Donald Trump called the aircraft a “gift, free of charge” from Qatar.

However, the US is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to convert the plane. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink estimated the conversion cost at “probably less than $400 million.” This is significantly lower than some initial expert estimates.

Critical Security and Mission Upgrades

The jet needs considerable changes to meet Presidential airlift mission standards. Details of the modification are largely classified for security reasons. The work involves stripping the plane down to its frame. It must be rebuilt with necessary secure communications and security equipment. Experts note the aircraft must be hardened against electronic hijacking and security risks.

Crucially, the plane needs in-flight refueling capability. This feature is not standard on a conventional 747 aircraft. It is vital for the President to remain airborne during a major emergency. The Air Force is working with other government entities to ensure all security measures are met.

It remains unclear if the jet will be immediately operational upon delivery. More testing may be needed before it is certified for presidential use.

Context of VC-25B Program Delays

The urgency for the bridge aircraft stems from the troubled VC-25B program. This program is for two new Boeing [https://www.boeing.com] 747-8 jets to be the next-generation Air Force One. The original delivery expectation was 2024. Due to delays and cost overruns, the jets are now expected no earlier than 2028 or 2029. The delays have cost Boeing more than $2.3 billion in losses. The current VC-25A planes, which are over 35 years old, are showing their age. One of the current jets recently diverted due to an electrical issue near Joint Base Andrews. This incident highlights the need for a more reliable replacement for executive airlift.

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