Qatari-donated interim Air Force One delivered with new livery
The U.S. Air Force received a Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8i, designated VC-25B Bridge, as an interim Air Force One after President Trump criticized Boeing’s delays on permanent replacements. The aircraft, painted in a new red, white, and blue livery, arrived at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026, after accelerated modifications costing under $400 million. Commissioning flights are underway to test secure communications and defense systems before presidential use. Training began in October 2025.
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US Air Force Receives VC-25B Bridge Presidential Jet from L3Harris
The US Air Force has taken delivery of the VC-25B Bridge aircraft from L3Harris Technologies, a modified Boeing 747-8i built in 10 months to replace the aging VC-25A presidential fleet. The aircraft features advanced secure communications for presidential command and control during emergencies. After delivery, commissioning flights are testing its capabilities for executive operations. The accelerated program included three-shift work, early investment by L3Harris, and pilot training that began in October 2025 using leased 747-8 training aircraft. Once commissioning is complete, the VC-25B will join the existing executive airlift fleet alongside VC-25A and C-32 aircraft. Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach praised the rapid execution, calling it a secure, reliable airborne command post delivered on an accelerated timeline.
Airforce TechnologyU.S. Air Force Receives VC-25B Bridge Jet as Presidential Fleet Upgrade Milestone
The U.S. Air Force has taken delivery of the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8i, from L3Harris Technologies. Developed in just 10 months under an expedited schedule with three-shift operations, the plane is intended to serve as an interim replacement for the aging VC-25A presidential fleet while next-generation aircraft are developed. The VC-25B is equipped with advanced secure communications to support the President's ability to manage global events from the air. Following delivery, the aircraft will undergo commissioning flights to test and validate its systems and protocols. Training for pilots and crew began in October using dedicated 747-8 platforms, and a 3D mock-up of the interior was delivered in January 2026. The Air Force and White House will certify the aircraft before it formally joins the executive airlift fleet alongside existing VC-25A and C-32 planes.
Airforce TechnologyVC-25B Bridge Jet Joins Presidential Airlift Group; Trump Reveals New Air Force One Livery
The U.S. Air Force announced that the VC-25B 'Bridge' jet, a modified Qatari-gifted Boeing 747-8i, has arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will undergo final commissioning flights before entering service as an interim Air Force One. The aircraft features President Trump's preferred red, white, and blue livery, replacing the iconic Kennedy-era scheme in use for over 60 years. Trump held a press conference at Andrews Air Force Base highlighting the aircraft's enhanced speed, range, communications equipment (including Starlink), luxury interior, and protective mechanisms. He thanked the Emir of Qatar for providing the airframe and noted the VC-25B was completed in 10 months. The jet will serve as a bridge until Boeing delivers two fully outfitted VC-25Bs.
The War ZoneQatari-Donated Air Force One Begins Commissioning Flights Before Presidential Use
The U.S. Air Force announced the delivery of a Boeing VC-25B Bridge aircraft, donated by Qatar, to Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026. The aircraft, freshly painted in red, white, and blue, has begun commissioning flights—the final step before it becomes available for presidential use. The interim aircraft replaces aging VC-25A planes and follows President Trump’s dissatisfaction with Boeing’s delays on permanent replacements, originally due in 2024 but pushed to 2028. Security modifications cost under $400 million and included advanced technologies. Training for pilots and maintainers began in October 2025. The commissioning flights will allow White House officials to validate mission-capability and finalize protocols. The Air Force chief of staff praised the accelerated timeline. The previous VC-25A took its final flight on June 18, 2026. No specific number of flights or date for Trump's first flight was given.
Air Force TimesQatari-donated interim Air Force One gets red, white and blue paint job
The Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8i aircraft, designated as the interim VC-25B Bridge Air Force One, has received its red, white and blue presidential livery. The Air Force confirmed the aircraft is undergoing final government modifications ahead of a planned summer delivery to the Presidential Airlift Group. The plane was gifted by Qatar in May 2025 after President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Boeing's delays in delivering two new VC-25B aircraft, originally expected in 2024 but now pushed to 2028. The interim aircraft completed flight testing in early May. Modifications include reinforced defense systems, countermeasures, and encrypted communications to make it suitable for presidential use. The exact timeline for the president to begin flying in the aircraft has not been specified.
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