MARYLAND— The U.S. Air Force expects Boeing to power on the first new VC-25B Air Force One aircraft before the end of 2026, marking a major step toward flight testing.
The aircraft is being developed for presidential transport, while Washington, D.C. (WAS) remains the center of U.S. presidential airlift operations.
The planned power-on milestone comes ahead of the aircraft’s first flight, which is expected in 2027, followed by delivery in 2028. Boeing is building two modified 747-8 aircraft for the program, which has faced years of delays, structural issues and rising costs.
VC-25B Program Advances Toward First Flight
Gen. Dale White, the Air Force official overseeing major programs, said the VC-25B effort has made substantial progress as Boeing works through the remaining critical tasks.
The company is completing electrical work and final structural activities before the aircraft can move toward its first powered systems checks.
Boeing is also working to increase its workforce, including hiring electricians needed to support the accelerated schedule. Structural repairs, including work involving stringer cracks on the two aircraft, have also progressed as the manufacturer prepares the jets for testing.
The program has experienced significant delays from its original schedule, but the Air Force now considers several major areas to be moving in the right direction.
Certification issues involving spare windshields and passenger windows also remain under review, although officials believe solutions are developing.
Boeing Targets 2028 Delivery Schedule
Boeing recorded a $280 million charge on the VC-25B program in July 2026 as it increased production and certification resources. The additional investment is intended to support the development and testing schedule while helping the company recover from earlier delays.
The firm-fixed-price program has already generated billions of dollars in losses for Boeing, making schedule performance particularly important. Despite the financial pressure, Boeing continues to target delivery of the first operational VC-25B in 2028.
The new aircraft will replace the aging VC-25A fleet, which has served as the presidential transport platform for decades.
The VC-25B is based on the Boeing 747-8 and will receive specialized communications, security, medical, electrical, and executive systems for presidential operations.
Bridge Aircraft Supports Transition To New Fleet
While Boeing completes the permanent replacement aircraft, President Donald Trump is using a Qatar-donated Boeing 747-8 as the VC-25B Bridge aircraft.
The interim jet entered presidential service in July 2026 after receiving modifications and a new red, white and blue livery.
The Bridge aircraft has also given the Air Force practical experience with operating and maintaining the 747-8 platform.
Officials say lessons from the aircraft can support maintenance, training, sustainment and operational planning for the two new VC-25Bs, Aviation Week reported.
The Air Force therefore sees the interim aircraft as more than a temporary presidential transport.
Its operation is helping personnel prepare for the arrival of the new fleet while Boeing pushes toward the next major milestone: powering on the first VC-25B before its planned 2027 first flight.
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