Boeing (BOE, Washington National) remains on track to deliver two modified B747-8(VC-25B)s in 2028 to serve as new Air Force One aircraft, replacing the two ageing B747-200(VC-25A)s currently in service, the company said.
However, meeting that target will require additional spending on a programme that is already years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget, Reuters reported. Boeing was awarded a USD3.9 billion contract in 2018 to build the aircraft, but costs have since risen to more than USD5 billion.
Steve Parker, chief executive of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said the first aircraft is expected to begin testing in 2027. "I do expect to see some cost growth there as we come through and finish off the wiring and the structures, as well as completing our own certifications," he said.
While awaiting the new Air Force One aircraft, the United States Air Force took delivery of a VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a Qatari-donated B747-8(BBJ), in May 2025. In an effort to bring it into service during his presidency, President Donald Trump pushed to accelerate its entry into operation, leading to higher costs and compromises in certain safety features, according to The New York Times.
Those compromises became public in June, when President Trump was forced to depart to Türkiye aboard one of the older VC-25As after the Secret Service identified a credible threat against him. The VC-25B Bridge is scheduled to be taken out of service this autumn for further "upgrades and enhancements," the White House said.
