Air Force One: Delayed Delivery and What It Means for Presidential Travel
The Importance of Air Force One
Air Force One represents far more than a mode of transportation—it’s a symbol of American presidential power and a critical component of national security. The term officially refers to the air traffic control call sign for any U.S. Air Force aircraft carrying the president, though it commonly denotes the specially modified VC-25 aircraft used for presidential transport. As the current fleet ages beyond three decades in service, the urgency for replacement has grown significantly.
Latest Developments in the VC-25B Programme
The Air Force announced in December 2025 that the first VC-25B aircraft is now projected for delivery in mid-2028, representing yet another delay in the troubled replacement programme. The Air Force is acquiring two second-hand Boeing 747-8 jetliners for training and spare parts, which will be delivered in 2026 under a £400 million deal.
A recent contract modification worth £15.5 million was awarded to Boeing to expand the VC-25B’s communications capability to keep pace with evolving mission requirements. This marks a shift from the programme baseline established years ago, reflecting the sophisticated technological demands of modern presidential communications.
Challenges Facing the Programme
Boeing has lost over £2 billion to date on the presidential airlift recapitalisation effort. The programme has encountered numerous obstacles, including a major disruption when a subcontractor hired to furnish the jets’ interiors went bankrupt, forcing Boeing to transition to a new supplier.
The VC-25B project involves converting two Boeing 747-8i aircraft, originally manufactured for Russian airline Transaero Airlines, which went bankrupt before operating them. The conversion to presidential standards requires advanced security and communication systems far beyond commercial specifications.
Significance for the Future
The 2028 delivery timeline means President Trump, whose term ends in January 2029, would potentially have the opportunity to use the new aircraft if the schedule holds. The presidential fleet has consisted of two customised Boeing 747-200B (VC-25A) aircraft since 1990, with the new VC-25Bs expected to serve for decades to come. Despite setbacks, these next-generation aircraft will eventually provide enhanced capabilities crucial for maintaining secure, reliable presidential airlift operations in an increasingly complex global environment.