summary
- The first flight of the new Air Force One VC-25B has been pushed back to March 2026 due to ongoing program delays.
- Testing of the ground subsystem has been postponed to July 2025, and the delivery date may be delayed further.
- The VC-25B is built from a 747-8I airframe and features advanced defense systems and more than 4,000 square feet of interior space.
The new Air Force One, known as the VC-25B, suffered another setback when its first flight was delayed by more than a year. The revised schedule now means the next presidential aircraft is expected to make its first flight in March 2026.
First flight of new Air Force One delayed by 16 months
As reported by Breaking Defense, the VC-25B's first flight has been delayed from November 2024 to March 2026. The program, which has already cost developer Boeing more than $2.4 billion, has faced numerous setbacks over the years, including major design flaws, supplier bankruptcies and labor issues.
Photo: U.S. Air Force
Originally, the new Air Force One was scheduled to be delivered by September 2024, with the second plane arriving in February 2025. However, a July 2022 announcement extended the project timeline by two to three years, with the first plane now touted to be delivered as early as September 2026.
VC-25B: Everything we know so far about the new Air Force One Boeing 747-8
The first of the two new aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in 2027 and will feature a range of upgrades and efficiency improvements.
Before its first flight, the aircraft will undergo ground subsystem testing, which was originally scheduled to take place last month after being delayed from October 2023. However, it now appears likely that the testing will not take place until July 2025.
Boeing has been dealing with a number of labor-related issues since the upgrade of two 747-8I planes began in 2019. In early 2023, it was discovered that about 250 employees working on the program did not have the necessary security clearances, prompting an investigation by the Department of Defense. Boeing has also faced cuts, forcing it to launch a hiring drive.
Delivery delays possible
Given these obstacles, it's increasingly likely that Boeing will accelerate the delivery date, and a United States Air Force (USAF) spokesperson said the company continues to update the project schedule.Dates offered are subject to change” and further updates are expected to be released later this summer.
Photo: Simple Flying
Boeing was awarded the contract to develop the next Air Force One during the Trump administration as a fixed-price contract, but Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged in retrospect that it wasn't the best decision.
About VC-25B
The VC-25B was developed using a 747-8I airframe that was originally built by Russian airline Transaero but was not adopted, and it has a number of advanced features suited to protecting the leader of the free world. Of course, much of it remains a closely guarded secret, but here's what we know about the jet:
- Advanced defense systems such as laser jamming and radar warning receivers
- Extended range over 7,000NM
- Over 4,000 square feet of interior space
- Two offices, convertible medical facilities, meeting rooms and a media zone
Do you think the new Air Force One will keep up with the latest schedule? Let us know your views in the comments section.
