Is Air Force One no longer a 747?

Today, the chief executive flies aboard a specially configured 747-200B, the newest and largest presidential airplane. Its capabilities include: Longer range for presidential travel. Aerial refueling.



Air Force One remains a Boeing 747, but the fleet is in the middle of a major transition. As of early 2026, the primary aircraft (VC-25A) are the aging 747-200 series, which have served since the 1990s. However, the new generation of Air Force One, designated as the VC-25B, is based on the much larger and more efficient Boeing 747-8 platform. These new aircraft are currently undergoing heavy modifications—including advanced secure communications, defensive systems, and an executive interior—at Boeing’s facility. While there was earlier speculation about moving to a different airframe, the 747's four-engine reliability and massive internal space (roughly 4,000 square feet) made it the continued choice for the "Flying Oval Office." The new 747-8 models are expected to begin full operational service in the 2026-2027 window, replacing the older fleet.

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The mission of the VC-25 aircraft — Air Force One — is to provide air transport for the president of the United States. The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's — tail numbers 28000 and 29000 — with the Air Force designation VC-25.

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The planes are due for delivery in 2024 as part of a $3.9 billion contract. Boeing's 777X, its latest passenger plane model and projected replacement for the 747, is set for delivery in 2025.

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Over the past decade, the giant aircraft was eclipsed by smaller, more nimble models like Boeing's own 777 or Airbus SE's A350 that only have two engines but still manage to fly the same routes, albeit at much lower operating costs.

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But why? Designed by Bruce Kilgore in 1982, initially only available as a high top, was the first Nike Air cushioning on a hoops shoe, which Nike signed six NBA players to wear on the hardwood. Despite demand remaining high, Nike discontinued the sneaker in 1984 because that's just how things worked back then.

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Armour plating ensures the plane can withstand a nuclear blast on the ground. All windows are made of bullet-proof armoured glass. Electric defence systems jam enemy radar and confuse missiles, while mirror ball defences hidden in the wings can overcome infrared guidance systems.

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According to Boeing's data, the 777-9 has a total length of 251 feet 9 inches (76.72 meters). The 747-8 is just a bit smaller at 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters). The 777-9 is the longest commercial aircraft ever built.

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According to aviation data analytics group Cirium there are still 385 747s still in service, mostly working for cargo companies, and 122 in storage. The company projects that there will still be close to 100 747s in service in 2040.

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