New ‘Air Force One' aircraft begins modification

The US Air Force (USAF) on 25 February began modifying the first of two Boeing 747-8 commercial aircraft that will be used in US presidential service.

The Boeing VC-25 Presidential Aircraft Recapitalization (PAR) programme will design, modify, test, and deliver two aircraft replacing the current pair of VC-25A (747-200) aircraft. These platforms will serve as a flying White House for the next 30 years, according to a service statement. The new Air Force One, the call sign for when the president is on board, will enable him or her to perform the duties of commander-in-chief, head of state, and chief executive.

The first phase of aircraft modification involves cutting out large skin and structure areas in both the forward and aft lower lobes of the aircraft before installing two newly manufactured superpanels. These superpanels are manufactured of the same aircraft-grade aluminium-alloy utilised on the 747-8i. USAF spokesperson Captain Cara Bousie said on 18 March that the superpanels contain structural upgrades for the door frames, support carriage with airstairs, and rerouting of existing 747-8 wiring and support systems.

The landing of a VC-25A (undated image). The US Air Force began modifying the first of two Boeing 747-8 commercial aircraft that will soon become VC-25Bs and be known as Air Force One when the US president is on board. (US Air Force)