Summary

  • New Air Force One VC-25B’s maiden flight delayed to March 2026 due to setbacks, costing developer Boeing $2.4 billion.
  • Ground subsystem testing postponed to July 2025; delivery dates may shift further, says USAF spokesperson.
  • VC-25B, built from 747-8I airframes, features advanced defense systems and over 4,000 sq ft of interior space.

The new Air Force One, known as the VC-25B, has suffered another setback after its first flight has been pushed back by more than a year. The revised date will hopefully see the upcoming presidential aircraft take its maiden flight in March 2026.

New Air Force One maiden flight delayed by 16 months

According to a report by Breaking Defense, the VC-25B has had its maiden flight pushed back from November 2024 to March 2026. The program, which has already led to losses exceeding $2.4 billion for developer Boeing, has faced numerous setbacks over the years, including major design flaws, supplier bankruptcy and labor problems.

A closeup render of the new Air Force One VC-25B.

Photo: US Air Force

Initial schedules would have seen the new Air Force One delivered by September 2024 before a second jet arrived in February 2025. However, the project timeline was extended by 2-3 years in a July 2022 announcement, with the first airframe touted for a September 2026 delivery at the earliest.

Related

VC-25B: Everything We Know About The New Air Force One Boeing 747-8s So Far

The first of the two new airplanes is scheduled for delivery in 2027 with a range of upgrades and efficiency improvements.

Before it can take off for its maiden flight, the aircraft is due to undergo ground subsystem testing, which was supposed to take place last month having already been pushed back from October 2023. However, this likely won’t happen until July 2025 now.

Since the two 747-8I planes began their conversion in 2019, Boeing has grappled with a number of labor-related problems. In early 2023, it emerged that some 250 employees working on the program did not have the necessary security clearances, prompting a Department of Defense investigation. Boeing has also faced workforce attrition which forced it to go on a hiring drive.

Delivery delays likely

It’s looking increasingly likely that Boeing will push forward the delivery date given these setbacks. According to a United States Air Force (USAF) spokesperson, Boeing continues to update the project schedule, “which may result in changes to any dates provided,” with a further update likely to be made public later this summer.

Air Force One Custom Thumbnail

Photo: Simple Flying

Boeing signed the contract to develop the next Air Force One during President Trump’s administration, entering into a fixed-price contract that Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun later admitted was not the best decision in hindsight.

About the VC-25B

The VC-25B, developed using 747-8I airframes initially built but not taken up by defunct Russian airline Transaero, will boast many advanced features fit to protect the Leader of the Free World. Many of these, of course, remain a closely guarded secret, but what we do know about the jet includes:

  • Advanced defense systems, such as laser-jamming and radar warning receivers
  • Enhanced range of over 7,000 NM
  • Over 4,000 sq ft of interior space
  • Two offices, a convertible medical facility, conference room, and media zone

Do you think the new Air Force One will stick to its latest timeline? Let us know your insights in the comments.

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