U.S. Air Force commissions VC-25B Bridge aircraft for presidential transport

The U.S. Air Force has received the VC-25B Bridge aircraft, a former Qatar‑registered Boeing 747‑8i, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. After final government modifications and a new red, white and blue paint scheme, the plane will conduct commissioning flights to validate mission capability and finalize operating procedures before joining the active executive airlift fleet.

The Bridge aircraft will operate alongside the existing VC-25A and C‑32 fleets, providing temporary presidential transport capacity while the delayed Boeing‑built VC‑25B replacement program progresses. The Air Force expects the long‑term VC‑25B aircraft to enter service in 2028, with the Bridge helping to reduce demand on the aging VC‑25A jets that have served presidents since 1990.