The New VC-35B Air Force One.

[Talyn]

The new Air Force VC-25B Bridge jet “has officially arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will commence its initial commissioning flights, marking the successful delivery of a secure, modified executive platform,” the Air Force announced Friday afternoon.

New Air Force VC-25B "Bridge" Jet Has Joined The Presidential Airlift Group

The new Air Force One jet will undergo a final round of tests before ferrying President Donald Trump.

www.twz.com

As reported in the past, this modified, Qatari-gifted 747-8i, is set to serve as an interim Air Force One aircraft ahead of the much-delayed arrival of two fully outfitted VC-25Bs from Boeing.

The jet wears President Trump’s preferred paint scheme, a major change for dedicated Air Force One aircraft, which have worn the Kennedy-era scheme for over 60 years.

Commissioning flights are the “final exam” for the aircraft modification, the Air Force explained in a media release.

“They provide both an opportunity for the White House enterprise to validate mission-capability, while also finalizing protocols required to safely and securely transport the President of the United States and enable his execution of his three constitutional roles; Chief Executive, Commander in Chief, and Head of State.”

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

Definitely like the looks of it! 777 wouldn't be a safe choice

 

[ca survivor]

Like the color scheme much more.

 

[NMEDGE]

Let me understand this. He gets a "free" plane. We as taxpayers have to pay millions to make it ready then when his term is up it goes to his library? I don't like it at all. He can either use the planes we provide or walk! It just never ends with this guy and everybody is alright with this?

 

[OldGrunt]

Let me understand this. He gets a "free" plane. We as taxpayers have to pay millions to make it ready then when his term is up it goes to his library? I don't like it at all. He can either use the planes we provide or walk! It just never ends with this guy and everybody is alright with this?

Where did you get that information from? I'd like to read that.

 

[NMEDGE]

Where did you get that information from? I'd like to read that.

Was on the news tonight. I was shocked. He will be the only president that uses it then to his library. I guess if you look up that airplane it will give you what happens to it after his term is done.

 

[NMEDGE]

Just looked it up on MSN search and it says the same thing. Will be donated to the presidential library.

 

[OldGrunt]

Was on the news tonight. I was shocked. He will be the only president that uses it then to his library. I guess if you look up that airplane it will give you what happens to it after his term is done.

I'll have to investigate that tomorrow. It's time for my shows on tv.

 

[SimonRL]

Apparently if you paint a bribe a different color it’s no longer a bribe.

 

[SimonRL]

Let me understand this. He gets a "free" plane. We as taxpayers have to pay millions to make it ready then when his term is up it goes to his library? I don't like it at all. He can either use the planes we provide or walk! It just never ends with this guy and everybody is alright with this?

Uhh…no I’m f-ng not!

 

[SimonRL]

Where did you get that information from? I'd like to read that.

Where did you get that information from? I'd like to read that.

Google is your friend.

Turning Qatari 747 into Air Force One could cost $1 billion and take years, experts say

Taxpayers would likely foot the bill to retrofit President Trump's new jet, which could be more than twice the plane's $400 million value.

www.nbcnews.com

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-13/air-force-affirms-400-million-cost-estimate-for-jet-from-qatar?embedded-checkout=true

Trump unveils new Air Force One, a converted Qatari 747

New craft, called VC-25B Bridge, had provoked protest since $400m jet wildly exceeds limit on unsolicited gifts

www.theguardian.com

 

[Talyn]

I see it's time to inject some sanity/facts to balance out the hysteria on this topic.

Getting this new VC-25B (aka 747-8i) is timely since the VC-25A (aka 747-200 series) aircraft (tail number 92-9000) that just brought has the POTUS and extra personnel back from the G7 meeting in the "Old World" is worn out.

On a previous trip to the "Old World" VC-25A 92-9000 (the one being parked) has to turn-around and return, and the POTUS 47 et. al gang had to fly to the "Old World" in a C-32 (aka 757).

Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) on X

Track air traffic in real time from all around the world! Apps: https://t.co/AnZhJUIrBg | FAQ: https://t.co/WkTgAaePHs | Support: https://t.co/BomORktp7R

twitter.com

It was the only VC-25A flying (barely) since it's stable mate (82-8000) is ready for service after a 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul) and is intended to step in to fill 92-9000’s place.

U.S. Government Jets (@USGovJets) on X

Open-source tracking of U.S. Government executive & support airlift in near real-time. USAF | USN | USA | USCG | DOJ/FBI. Not affiliated with U.S. Government.

twitter.com

The Air Force One mission requires alternate options to be available at all times. This "Bridge" aircraft will help ease the strain on VC-25A 82-8000 until the replacement new two VC-25Bs (aka 747-8i's (same model as the new "Bridge 747)) arrives, first in 2027. Because...

Under the original Air Force One replacement plan, the VC-25As would have been retired already. The VC-25As are based on the 747-200. But the last administration slow-walked/mis-managed the new VC-25B replacement program during their term.

The 747-200 series model that first entered production in the 1970s, and they are becoming very difficult and expensive to operate and sustain. 200-series 747s in any configuration have all but evaporated from service worldwide, creating additional supply chain hurdles. The two VC-25A's cost $177K USD per hour to fly since they're maintenance hogs. Even at $177,843 per flight hour, the VC-25As are well among the Air Force’s most expensive aircraft to operate. Based on now thoroughly dated flight hour cost data that has been released in the past, the only aircraft the service has that are in the same price range to fly and maintain are the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command post aircraft.

'Air Force One' 747s Now Cost $177k An Hour To Fly

Documents and official statements obtained by The War Zone provide a wealth of new Air Force One-related information.

www.twz.com

And 82-8000s' 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul cost millions of USDs.

Both VC-25's often accompanies the president on international trips, with the second acting as one of the backup options. The arrival of this VC-25B "Bridge" aircraft could still allow the Air Force to move 92-9000 into more of a reserve status, and with (82-8000) unavailable until now then 92-9000 will be parked for emergency purposes before finally being retired and parted out to maintain 82-8000 for the next ~2 years.

Putting new security/defensive/communications equipment in cost $$ but the interior was kept mainly unchanged.

The new "Bridge" VC-25 will be donated to the POTUS 47 library after it's no longer needed, stripped of useful parts to support the new VC-25B coming soon. Plus, the USAF has bought two more 747-8i's to use as trainers and parts sources since the 747 went out of production a few years ago.

USAF Buying Lufthansa 747s To Serve As Future Air Force One Trainers, Spare Parts Sources

The future presidential airlift program has ballooned from two aircraft to five, four of which will be flyable.

www.twz.com

While all these big Air Force One 747's cost a lot at least the USA isn't flying their heads-of-state like the Brits have do in an old RAF Airbus 300 aerial tanker.

 

[HayesGreener]

I see it's time to inject some sanity/facts to balance out the hysteria on this topic.

Getting this new VC-25B (aka 747-8i) is timely since the VC-25A (aka 747-200 series) aircraft (tail number 92-9000) that just brought has the POTUS and extra personnel back from the G7 meeting in the "Old World" is worn out.

On a previous trip to the "Old World" VC-25A 92-9000 (the one being parked) has to turn-around and return, and the POTUS 47 et. al gang had to fly to the "Old World" in a C-32 (aka 757).

Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) on X

Track air traffic in real time from all around the world! Apps: https://t.co/AnZhJUIrBg | FAQ: https://t.co/WkTgAaePHs | Support: https://t.co/BomORktp7R

twitter.com

View attachment 112985

It was the only VC-25A flying (barely) since it's stable mate (82-8000) is ready for service after a 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul) and is intended to step in to fill 92-9000’s place.

U.S. Government Jets (@USGovJets) on X

Open-source tracking of U.S. Government executive & support airlift in near real-time. USAF | USN | USA | USCG | DOJ/FBI. Not affiliated with U.S. Government.

twitter.com

View attachment 112983

The Air Force One mission requires alternate options to be available at all times. This "Bridge" aircraft will help ease the strain on VC-25A 82-8000 until the replacement new two VC-25Bs (aka 747-8i's (same model as the new "Bridge 747)) arrives, first in 2027. Because...

View attachment 112987

Under the original Air Force One replacement plan, the VC-25As would have been retired already. The VC-25As are based on the 747-200. But the last administration slow-walked/mis-managed the new VC-25B replacement program during their term.

The 747-200 series model that first entered production in the 1970s, and they are becoming very difficult and expensive to operate and sustain. 200-series 747s in any configuration have all but evaporated from service worldwide, creating additional supply chain hurdles. The two VC-25A's cost $177K USD per hour to fly since they're maintenance hogs. Even at $177,843 per flight hour, the VC-25As are well among the Air Force’s most expensive aircraft to operate. Based on now thoroughly dated flight hour cost data that has been released in the past, the only aircraft the service has that are in the same price range to fly and maintain are the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command post aircraft.

'Air Force One' 747s Now Cost $177k An Hour To Fly

Documents and official statements obtained by The War Zone provide a wealth of new Air Force One-related information.

www.twz.com

And 82-8000s' 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul cost millions of USDs.

Both VC-25's often accompanies the president on international trips, with the second acting as one of the backup options. The arrival of this VC-25B "Bridge" aircraft could still allow the Air Force to move 92-9000 into more of a reserve status, and with (82-8000) unavailable until now then 92-9000 will be parked for emergency purposes before finally being retired and parted out to maintain 82-8000 for the next ~2 years.

Putting new security/defensive/communications equipment in cost $$ but the interior was kept mainly unchanged.

The new "Bridge" VC-25 will be donated to the POTUS 47 library after it's no longer needed, stripped of useful parts to support the new VC-25B coming soon. Plus, the USAF has bought two more 747-8i's to use as trainers and parts sources since the 747 went out of production a few years ago.

USAF Buying Lufthansa 747s To Serve As Future Air Force One Trainers, Spare Parts Sources

The future presidential airlift program has ballooned from two aircraft to five, four of which will be flyable.

www.twz.com

While all these big Air Force One 747's cost a lot at least the USA isn't flying their heads-of-state like the Brits have do in an old RAF Airbus 300 aerial tanker.

View attachment 112986

View attachment 112984

View attachment 112981

Thanks for the rundown, that's as I understood it, the gifted plane was to be a bridge. New VC25B aircraft were ordered before Trump's first term, it has taken years in development and delivery is overdue.

I worked the Air Force end of the presidential detail at Andrews AFB for several months in 2000 during the campaign season. Andrews was busy with VIP flights as Hillary was running for Congress, Al Gore was running for President, and Bill Clinton was flying all over campaigning for various candidates. The VC25 aircraft already had some age on them then, and that has been more than 25 years. As I understood it then, the two VC25 aircraft were expected to have a service life of 25 years. They should have already been replaced with the new planes but delivery is overdue.

 

[Grayfox]

I wonder if they managed to find all the bugs Qatar planted in it?
I'm sure they were quite sneaky about it.

 

[Talyn]

Arab bugs are easy to find since they don't speak English.

 

[LDB]

"It was on the news last night"

Well there's reliable and believable information. Anyway, my beachfront property near Gallup is still for sale for those believing the nightly news.

 

[NMEDGE]

Not saying anything wrong--just the truth. If $1 of taxpayer money is spent then it belongs to the people of the United States not a private citizen. I don't care who they are.

 

[HayesGreener]

I wonder if they managed to find all the bugs Qatar planted in it?
I'm sure they were quite sneaky about it.

I know for a fact that electronic sweeps are done by specialists before National Command Authority or high level national security officials before they enter a space or conveyance. (Explosive sweeps as well).

 

[OldGrunt]

I see it's time to inject some sanity/facts to balance out the hysteria on this topic.

Getting this new VC-25B (aka 747-8i) is timely since the VC-25A (aka 747-200 series) aircraft (tail number 92-9000) that just brought has the POTUS and extra personnel back from the G7 meeting in the "Old World" is worn out.

On a previous trip to the "Old World" VC-25A 92-9000 (the one being parked) has to turn-around and return, and the POTUS 47 et. al gang had to fly to the "Old World" in a C-32 (aka 757).

Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) on X

Track air traffic in real time from all around the world! Apps: https://t.co/AnZhJUIrBg | FAQ: https://t.co/WkTgAaePHs | Support: https://t.co/BomORktp7R

twitter.com

View attachment 112985

It was the only VC-25A flying (barely) since it's stable mate (82-8000) is ready for service after a 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul) and is intended to step in to fill 92-9000’s place.

U.S. Government Jets (@USGovJets) on X

Open-source tracking of U.S. Government executive & support airlift in near real-time. USAF | USN | USA | USCG | DOJ/FBI. Not affiliated with U.S. Government.

twitter.com

View attachment 112983

The Air Force One mission requires alternate options to be available at all times. This "Bridge" aircraft will help ease the strain on VC-25A 82-8000 until the replacement new two VC-25Bs (aka 747-8i's (same model as the new "Bridge 747)) arrives, first in 2027. Because...

View attachment 112987

Under the original Air Force One replacement plan, the VC-25As would have been retired already. The VC-25As are based on the 747-200. But the last administration slow-walked/mis-managed the new VC-25B replacement program during their term.

The 747-200 series model that first entered production in the 1970s, and they are becoming very difficult and expensive to operate and sustain. 200-series 747s in any configuration have all but evaporated from service worldwide, creating additional supply chain hurdles. The two VC-25A's cost $177K USD per hour to fly since they're maintenance hogs. Even at $177,843 per flight hour, the VC-25As are well among the Air Force’s most expensive aircraft to operate. Based on now thoroughly dated flight hour cost data that has been released in the past, the only aircraft the service has that are in the same price range to fly and maintain are the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the E-4B Nightwatch airborne command post aircraft.

'Air Force One' 747s Now Cost $177k An Hour To Fly

Documents and official statements obtained by The War Zone provide a wealth of new Air Force One-related information.

www.twz.com

And 82-8000s' 529-day depot heavy-maintenance/over-haul cost millions of USDs.

Both VC-25's often accompanies the president on international trips, with the second acting as one of the backup options. The arrival of this VC-25B "Bridge" aircraft could still allow the Air Force to move 92-9000 into more of a reserve status, and with (82-8000) unavailable until now then 92-9000 will be parked for emergency purposes before finally being retired and parted out to maintain 82-8000 for the next ~2 years.

Putting new security/defensive/communications equipment in cost $$ but the interior was kept mainly unchanged.

The new "Bridge" VC-25 will be donated to the POTUS 47 library after it's no longer needed, stripped of useful parts to support the new VC-25B coming soon. Plus, the USAF has bought two more 747-8i's to use as trainers and parts sources since the 747 went out of production a few years ago.

USAF Buying Lufthansa 747s To Serve As Future Air Force One Trainers, Spare Parts Sources

The future presidential airlift program has ballooned from two aircraft to five, four of which will be flyable.

www.twz.com

While all these big Air Force One 747's cost a lot at least the USA isn't flying their heads-of-state like the Brits have do in an old RAF Airbus 300 aerial tanker.

View attachment 112986

View attachment 112984

View attachment 112981

Good report Talyn. I failed to remember any news story about anything Trump does , triggers another bout of TDS in those afflicted with it.

 

[HayesGreener]

Truman's (DC-6) and Eisenhower's (C121) presidential aircraft are on display at the Air Force Museum in Dayton. I have been through the C121 and it is cramped.

Reagan's aircraft (707) is displayed in the Air Force One pavilion at the Reagan library. Reagan ordered the current VC25 aircraft but never flew on one until after his death when his body was carried home.