After completing a secret night flight to Joint Base Andrews in early June, the VC-25B bridge aircraft, a quick conversion of a 747-8 gifted by Qatar, has now been officially shown off by the U.S. Air Force for the first time.
The VC-25B is now scheduled to begin a series of certification flights prior to official service with the Presidential Air Corps, part of the 89th Airlift Wing.
The Air Force confirmed in an official press release that the aircraft’s relatively quick conversion process (compared to the two complete VC-25Bs modified by Boeing) was helped by ‘minimal changes’ to the interior. The aircraft, previously a VIP jet operated by the State of Qatar, already has plenty of luxurious accommodations for passengers inside. In fact, even more so than the VC-25A, which focuses more on functionality than absolute luxury.
The first presidential flight in the VC-25B Bridge was rumored to be a trip to Mount Rushmore as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
In a speech unveiling the aircraft, President Trump confirmed plans to include the jet in a July 4 flight to Washington, D.C., along with the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II and other military aircraft.
“This will be a flight on the Fourth of July. I think you could say it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
President Trump announced that a large military flyover led by the newly renovated building will fly over the U.S. Capitol and White House on July 4 during celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. pic.twitter.com/fT5zyipfW7
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 19, 2026
.@POTUS signs mechanical panel of new Air Force One 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ERMnXG1WHH
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 19, 2026
“We are proud to deliver the VC-25B bridge aircraft to the President,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “While many thought it impossible, the U.S. Air Force was able to execute and deliver a safe and reliable airborne command post on an accelerated schedule.”
The service confirms that the fighter jets are equipped with at least some level of advanced communications and self-defense capabilities, but it remains to be seen whether this is sufficient to allow the aircraft to be used for international travel.
The VC-25B Bridge Aircraft has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews!
More information: https://t.co/xhurcI0mjL pic.twitter.com/zyUpB99jqm
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 19, 2026
“The safety and security of the Commander-in-Chief is our top priority,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Maink. “From the beginning, we have meticulously evaluated all requirements to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the President’s mission. These efforts demonstrate that the U.S. Air Force can move quickly without sacrificing quality, security or reliability.”
Our first official look at the fully painted VC-25B bridge aircraft comes shortly after the final planned presidential sortie of 92-9000, one of the U.S. Air Force’s two VC-25As. White House staff praised the aircraft on social media after it flew President Donald Trump home from the G7 summit in France.
Although the U.S. Air Force has said the VC-25A type will remain in service for the foreseeable future in support of the Presidential Airlift Group and other VIP operations, these accolades likely indicate that the base VC-25A will soon be the 82-8000, which will soon return to service after a period of overhaul and upgrades, with the 92-9000 moving into a backup role.
As we’ve known for some time, the aircraft is sporting a controversial new paint scheme. It is an improved version of the VC-25B chosen by President Trump during his first term. This decision was reversed by the Biden administration, which preferred an updated variation of the iconic bright blue and white livery currently worn by the VC-25A, and then again by the current Trump administration.
Get your first look at the new Air Force One VC-25B aircraft at Joint Base Andrews.
📹: Reagan Reese pic.twitter.com/u6gMsvE2Tc— Turbine Traveler (@Turbinetraveler) June 19, 2026
The VC-25B bridge operated by the U.S. Air Force has serial number 25-3300. Originally did Qatar registration A7-HJA and then A7-HJB. Qatar Amiri Flight stored the jet and re-registered it as P4-HBJ. Then transferred to the United States and given U.S. Civilian registration N7478D.
P4-HBJ Qatar’s “gift” plane, a Boeing 747-8, arrives at Alliance Fort Worth (KAFW) from San Antonio International Airport (KSAT).#4850B4 #P4HBJ pic.twitter.com/1HgejAgisX
— Sam Combs (@pressxtolive) June 30, 2025
U.S. Air Force aircrews trained on the 747-8 type, the base airframe for the VC-25B, VC-25B Bridge and E-4C, using a combination of leased Atlas Air 747-8Fs and surplus 747-8i passenger variants purchased from Lufthansa (one of which can be seen below the nose of the VC-25B Bridge in the header image). A full mockup of the interior of the VC-25B bridge aircraft has been on display at the White House since January 2026.
