- The VC-25B Bridge aircraft delivery took place on 19 June 2026
- Qatar donated the Boeing 747-8 BBJ to the United States
- The aircraft serves as interim Air Force One
- L3Harris Technologies completed the refurbishment
- Full VC-25B replacements arrive in 2028
The United States Air Force has taken delivery of the VC-25B Bridge aircraft.
The interim presidential aircraft arrived on 19 June 2026 in time for the United States 250th anniversary celebrations. Qatar donated the Boeing 747-8 BBJ which L3Harris Technologies refurbished. The VC-25B serves as a temporary Air Force One while work continues on two new VC-25Bs due in 2028.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink commented on the accelerated delivery process. The aircraft replaces ageing VC-25A models based on Boeing 747-200s. Delivery took place five days after President Donald Trump’s birthday on 14 June 2026.
The US government accepted the Qatari donation in August 2025. This Bridge aircraft supports presidential missions during the transition period. The programme maintains high standards for security and reliability.
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink shared “From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission. This effort proves that the US Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.”
