The Boeing 747-8 Set to Replace Air Force One by 2027: A New Era for Presidential Travel
Boeing has been the designated manufacturer of Air Force One for 66 years, maintaining a long-standing relationship with the office of the President of the United States. Although Air Force One is merely the radio call sign used when the President is on board any Air Force aircraft, the term has become synonymous with the specialized jets designated for presidential use. This legacy began in 1958 with a Boeing 707, and since then, Boeing has provided the “President’s office in the sky.”
Transition to the Boeing 747-8
Since 1987, the President has flown on a Boeing 747-200, known as the VC-25A, but by 2027, this will change with the introduction of the Boeing 747-8, designated VC-25B. Although initially expected by 2024, the first of these new aircraft won’t be ready until just before the 2028 presidential election, with a second delivered in 2028. This decision continues the tradition of maintaining two identical planes for the President.
Enhancements of the Boeing 747-8
The current 747-200B, used by the President, surpasses commercial counterparts with capabilities like midair refueling, essential for uninterrupted long flights. Unlike passenger planes, Air Force One is equipped with conference rooms, a presidential bedroom, an office, staff workspaces, and a medical facility. The existing 747 can travel 6,735 nautical miles without refueling, equivalent to a flight from Washington, D.C., to Tokyo, Japan. The new 747-8 will extend this range by 1,000 nautical miles, reaching destinations like Hong Kong from D.C. It will also be the fastest commercial jet, cruising at Mach .855, and will have four General Electric GEnx-2B engines.
In comparison, the predecessor, the 747-200, cruises at Mach .84 with General Electric CF6-80C2B1 engines. The 747-8 will set records as the longest commercial aircraft at 250 feet and two inches, 18 feet longer than the 747-200, while producing 16 fewer tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
Historical Context of Presidential Aircraft
Presidential air travel began with Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 aboard a Boeing 314, the “Dixie Clipper.” The term “Air Force One” emerged in 1953 after a communication mix-up between air traffic control, the presidential plane, and an Eastern Airlines flight with identical numbers. To avoid confusion, the President’s plane was designated as Air Force One. The DC-6 was the last propeller aircraft for presidential use, succeeded by Boeing’s first jetliner, the B707, designated VC-137A, delivered to the White House in 1959.
The 747-8 Decision and Challenges
Boeing has not been the exclusive manufacturer of Air Force One, but the first presidential plane was a Boeing. Boeing has provided “President’s office in the sky” since 1958 with a B707. Former President Donald J. Trump secured a favorable deal with Boeing for the new Air Force One design, although this deal eventually resulted in financial challenges for Boeing. In 2022, CEO Dave Calhoun revealed a $1.1 billion loss linked to a deal with Trump, who chose a new color scheme featuring a red, white, and blue pattern, eliminating the traditional baby blue.
Trump’s design required significant redesign to avoid overheating issues due to the dark blue underbelly, leading to delays and additional costs. Current President Biden finalized the color scheme, opting for light blue shades akin to the traditional design from John F. Kennedy’s era, avoiding unique risks associated with the previous proposal.
The decision to continue with the Boeing 747-8 reflects a commitment to maintaining cutting-edge technology and historical continuity, ensuring that the President’s aircraft remains a symbol of American innovation and prestige.