Overview
- The aircraft, which the Air Force said Friday had finished modifications and flight tests, is now being painted for a summer entry with a July 4 goal.
- L3Harris upgraded the former Qatari 747 with secure communications and self-protection systems, and interagency teams created new screening protocols to detect any hidden surveillance gear.
- Officials accepted the high-value jet in 2025, drawing complaints from Democrats and watchdogs who warned of ethics and conflict-of-interest risks that the White House has rejected.
- Boeing’s official VC-25B program is about four years late with delivery now expected in 2028 and costs rising, driving the need for a temporary aircraft to ensure mission continuity.
- To stand up the capability, the Air Force bought two ex-Lufthansa 747-8i jets for training and parts, ran pilot qualification on a leased Atlas Air 747-8F from October 2025 through February 2026, and built an interior mockup to prepare White House staff.