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The VC-25B will now begin a series of certification flights ahead of its official entry into service with the 89th Airlift Wing\u2019s Presidential Airlift Group.<\/p>\n
In their official press release, the U.S. Air Force confirmed that the aircraft\u2019s comparatively rapid (compared to the two fully-fledged VC-25Bs being converted by Boeing) conversion process was aided by keeping the interior \u2018minimally changed\u2019. As a former VIP jet operated by the state of Qatar, the aircraft\u2019s interior already features many luxury accommodations<\/a> for passengers \u2013 in fact, even moreso than the VC-25A, which leans further towards function than absolute luxury.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rumors have circulated that the VC-25B Bridge\u2019s first Presidential flight could be the planned trip to Mount Rushmore<\/a> as part of the U.S. 250th Anniversary celebrations.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking at the aircraft\u2019s unveiling, President Trump confirmed plans to include the jet in the 4th July flyover of Washington D.C., alongside F-22 Raptors, F-35 Lightning IIs, and other military aircraft.<\/p>\n “This will be a flyover on July 4th I think I can say the likes of which we’ve never seen before.”<\/p>\n President Trump says America’s 250th anniversary celebration on July 4th will feature a massive military flyover over the U.S. Capitol and White House, led by the newly refurbished\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/fT5zyipfW7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Fox News (@FoxNews) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n .@POTUS<\/a> signs the mechanical panel of the new Air Force One \u2014 Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cWe are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,\u201d said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. \u201cMany thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline.\u201d<\/p>\n The service confirms that the jet has been fitted with at least a certain level of advanced communications and self-defence capabilities, though if these are sufficient to allow the aircraft to be used for overseas travel remains to be seen.\u00a0<\/p>\n The VC-25B Bridge aircraft has officially arrived at Joint Base Andrews!<\/p>\n More info: https:\/\/t.co\/xhurcI0mjL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/zyUpB99jqm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cThe safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,\u201d said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. \u201cFrom the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission. This effort proves that the U.S. Air Force can move fast without sacrificing quality, security, or reliability.\u201d<\/p>\n Our first official view of the full painted VC-25B Bridge aircraft comes soon after what seems to have been final planned Presidential sortie of 92-9000<\/a>, one of the U.S. Air Force\u2019s two VC-25As. White House staffers led tributes to the aircraft on social media after it flew President Donald Trump home from the G7 Summit in France.\u00a0<\/p>\n While the U.S. Air Force has said the VC-25A type will remain in service for the foreseeable future to support Presidential Airlift Group and other VIP operations, these tributes likely indicate that the primary VC-25A will soon be 82-8000 \u2013 returning to service shortly after an overhaul and upgrade period \u2013 with 92-9000 moved to a backup role.\u00a0<\/p>\n As we have known for some time, the aircraft wears a controversial new paint scheme. It is a modified version of the one chosen by President Trump for the VC-25B in his first term. This decision was reversed by the Biden administration in favor of an updated variant of the iconic light blue and white livery<\/a> worn by the current VC-25As, then reversed again<\/a> by the current Trump administration.\u00a0<\/p>\n The first look at the new Air Force One VC-25B aircraft at Joint Base Andrews. \u2014 Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) June 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The serial for the VC-25B Bridge in U.S. Air Force service will be 25-3300. It originally carried the Qatari registrations A7-HJA, then A7-HJB. After the Qatar Amiri Flight put the jet into storage, it was re-registered as P4-HBJ. Then, after being transferred to the U.S. it was given the U.S. civilian registration N7478D.\u00a0<\/p>\n P4-HBJ Boeing 747-8, the \u201cgift\u201d plane from Qatar, arriving at Fort Worth Alliance (KAFW) from San Antonio International Airport (KSAT).#4850B4<\/a> #P4HBJ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/1HgejAgisX<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sam Combs (@pressxtolive) June 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/theaviationist.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/vc25bbridgedelivered_2-706x470.jpg\")
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pic.twitter.com\/ERMnXG1WHH<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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: reaganreese pic.twitter.com\/u6gMsvE2Tc<\/a><\/p>\n\n