Boeing to power up first VC-25B Air Force One this year, with 2027 first flight

Boeing plans to power up the first of two VC-25B presidential transports later this year, with an initial flight to follow in 2027, according to the US Air Force general overseeing the programme.

General Dale White, the service's director of critical major weapon systems, said the manufacturer has made significant progress after years of delays and cost growth. Speaking on 14 September at the Air & Space Forces Association conference near Washington, DC, he said the programme is on track to reach key milestones.

Work now centres on finishing the electrical cabling needed before the aircraft can be energised. Much of the wiring is already installed but must be completed and terminated, White said, describing Boeing as closely focused on the task. He said he visits regularly to inspect the two 747-8 jets Boeing is converting.

Delays in delivering the aircraft, along with mounting difficulty maintaining the two ageing VC-25As that currently carry the president, prompted the Trump administration to field a so-called bridge aircraft. That jet is a 747 Boeing Business Jet donated to Washington by the Qatari government, with conversion work carried out by L3Harris. It began flying the president over the summer, including a trip to Turkey, and appeared overseas again last week during a visit to Ireland.

A departure from Ankara drew attention after the president left on a different aircraft over a security concern. White said that despite the questions surrounding the bridge jet's origins, the aircraft has performed as intended.