USAF Says Former Qatari 747 Boeing Ready For USA Paint Scheme

The U.S. Air Force is preparing a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar, now named the VC-25B Bridge, for use as an interim Air Force One. This aircraft, a former Qatar head-of-state jet, has finished modifications and flight testing. It's currently being painted with a new red, white, and blue livery and is expected to be ready by summer. The VC-25B Bridge will serve until the delayed Boeing VC-25B replacements are ready, expected in 2028. General Dale White highlighted the focused effort to deliver this bridging capability. The Air Force aims to relieve pressure on the existing, aging VC-25A fleet. Flight testing occurred in Texas before the painting phase. Although the modifications are complete, the new capabilities added to the jet remain undisclosed. The costs of these modifications and the potential legal and ethical implications are under scrutiny. The aircraft's deployment is timely, potentially preceding the nation's 250th-anniversary celebration.