Boeing says VC-25B Air Force One will be delivered in 2028 despite rising costs

Boeing’s defense unit confirmed that the first VC-25B presidential aircraft is still on track for a mid‑2028 delivery. The program, a fixed‑price contract to replace the current Air Force One fleet with two heavily modified 747‑8 airframes, has already generated about $2.8 billion in charges for Boeing, which must absorb the overruns.

The contract’s total value has risen to roughly $4.3 billion after a recent $15.5 million modification requested by the Air Force. Boeing expects further cost growth during final assembly, wiring and certification, but says the schedule remains the priority. Both aircraft are currently in final assembly, with flight testing slated for 2027 and the first hand‑over scheduled for mid‑2028. The VC‑25B will feature advanced communications, defensive electronics, air‑to‑air refueling capability and specialized crew accommodations.