The U.S. Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a modified Boeing 747-8i previously operated by Qatar’s Amiri Flight, has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews. The aircraft will serve as an interim Presidential transport to support the aging VC-25A fleet until the full VC-25B program delivers new aircraft.
Background
The VC-25B Bridge program provides a secure, modified executive platform to maintain continuity of Presidential airlift operations amid extended heavy maintenance on the current VC-25A aircraft, which entered service in 1990. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink stated, “The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority.”
The aircraft was sourced from a former Qatar head-of-state 747-8i. The U.S. government accepted the airframe as part of efforts to bridge the gap until the primary VC-25B aircraft are ready. L3Harris Technologies performed the modifications, focusing on secure communications, self-protection systems, and other Presidential mission requirements.
The U.S. Air Force estimates the modification cost for the Bridge aircraft at less than $400 million. The broader VC-25B program, which includes two new-build aircraft, has a total estimated cost nearing $5.7 billion through fiscal 2031.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
