The story of the U.S. Air Force Boeing 747-based presidential transports.
The American president used Boeing 707-based VC-137 VVIP aircraft since the 1960s, but in 1985 the Air Force began the search for a larger aircraft for use as Air Force One. The Boeing 747 and the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 were considered and the 747 was selected. Two 747-200B aircraft, designated VC-25A, were completed and first flew in 1987. The fitting of communications and defensive systems delayed delivery until 1990. See the attached infographic for the layout of the VC-25A.
The VC-25s are operated and maintained by the Presidential Airlift Group of the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB, Maryland. As you might expect, no effort is spared to ensure that these aircraft are kept in perfect condition in all respects.
The earlier models of the 747 began to age out after 2000, and the VC-25As were no exception. The Air Force began exploring replacement not long after 2000 and again considered two candidates: The Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747-8i. Airbus soon sensed their disadvantage and withdrew in 2009, leaving the upgraded 747 as the victor. The USAF announced the selection in 2015 and authorized Boeing to begin preliminary design work. While the goal was three aircraft, the program was limited to two.
In an effort to reduce cost (for what is essentially a cost-no-object program!), two 747-8i aircraft that had been ordered but not delivered to a bankrupt airline were selected for modification to a new VC-25B standard. The cost for the aircraft in 2018 was USD 3.9 billion, making the VC-25B the most costly aircraft in the Air Force's inventory -- even more expensive than the stealth bomber.
Work began on the two VC-25Bs in 2020. The original estimated date of delivery was 2024 but the program has suffered many delays (sound familiar?) The present date for delivery is 2029.
The VC-25B will be 30 feet longer than the VC-25A and have a 19 foot greater wingspan. Max takeoff weight will increase from 833,000 to 987,000 pounds. The VC-25B's range increases by about a thousand miles.
While work continues on the VC-25Bs, there have been new developments. The U.S. accepted the gift of a 747-8i VVIP aircraft from Qatar in 2025. This aircraft does not have the extensive communications and defensive equipment of the VC-25As and VC-25Bs and is designated VC-25B Bridge. Although modifications are underway, it is unlikely to serve very long.
The Air Force also purchased two Lufthansa 747-8i transports for $400 million in 2025. Preliminary indications are that one will be used for pilot training and the other for spare parts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_VC-25