The Trump administration unveiled a new aircraft that will serve as Air Force One.
The Air Force’s VC-25B Bridge arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and will begin its commissioning flights. Commissioning flights are used as an aircraft’s “final exam.”
“The delivery of the Bridge aircraft fulfills an imperative to relieve pressure on the aging VC-25A fleet as heavy maintenance cycles extend, safeguarding the continuity of presidential airlift operations until the long-term Boeing VC-25B enters service,” the Air Force explained.
“The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “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 U.S. Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.”
“We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline.”
The aircraft is a Boeing 747-8. “There will never be one like this. This is very unique. This is considered the world’s most luxurious plane,” President Trump said. “When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again.”
Last year, the Trump administration accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar. “The Boeing 747 is being given to the United States Air Force/Department of Defense, NOT TO ME! It is a gift from a Nation, Qatar, that we have successfully defended for many years. It will be used by our Government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings, which are very late on delivery, arrive,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, defending the gift. “Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done. This big savings will be spent, instead, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
