The United States Air Force (MC, Washington National) is aiming to take delivery of its Qatari-donated VIP-configured B747-8(BBJ) on July 4, 2026, in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary, an official of the US government and an individual familiar with the programme told Reuters.
The Qatari government donated the B747-8(BBJ) aircraft to the US government in 2025. After that, it was ferried to Waco James Connall where L3Harris Technologies was tasked with refurbishing the quadjet to be able to work as an Air Force One presidential plane.
However, the delivery of the aircraft could be moved ahead further, according to Reuters’ sources, as efforts are ongoing to possibly deliver it to align with President Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14.
An Air Force spokesperson told Reuters that "the aircraft is on schedule to deliver this summer," adding that it has completed modification and flight testing and is now being painted.
The Air Force One programme has been highly criticised by Trump, who argued that the two B747-200(VC-25A)s currently in operation are too old (averaging around 39 years of age). The US Air Force is currently refurbishing two B747-8s, but the first of these is expected to be delivered in mid-2028, a year behind schedule. Any further delays could push their entry into service after Trump's second term ends in 2029. The government also bought two B747-8s from Lufthansa, one to be used as a training aircraft and one for cannibalisation of spare parts.
