Armed Forces News

The Air Force has selected the Boeing 747-8 as the next presidential aircraft. The most modern iteration of the venerable 747 was chosen to be the next Air Force One because it would be manufactured in the U.S., and meet mission requirements. The only other four-engine aircraft under consideration was the Airbus A380, which is built in France. The selection does not constitute a contract award to Boeing – not yet, anyway. “We still need to finalize the overall acquisition strategy and conduct risk-reduction activities with Boeing to inform the engineering and manufacturing development contract negotiations that will define the capabilities and cost,” said Air Force Col. Amy McCain, the Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization program manager. The new plane would replace the existing fleet of VC-25 aircraft, with an expected 30-year lifespan.