Overview
- The Air Force publicly unveiled the converted Boeing 747‑8i on Friday at Joint Base Andrews, designated it the VC‑25B Bridge, and said initial commissioning flights will begin to certify it for presidential use.
- The Pentagon formally accepted the aircraft from Qatar as an unconditional gift, a transfer Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved and the Defense Department will operate and maintain the jet.
- Government work to harden and outfit the plane for presidential missions was completed by contractors including L3Harris in Texas and the Air Force says the aircraft meets required security standards.
- Officials estimate conversion costs below $400 million but aviation experts and reporting say the full overhaul and classified systems could push total spending well above $1 billion.
- Lawmakers and analysts across the political spectrum have raised ethical, legal and security questions about accepting a foreign donation and about long‑term fleet continuity as the VC‑25As remain active until the 2028 Boeing deliveries.