L3Harris Delivers Qatar-Gifted 747-8i as Interim Air Force One

L3Harris finished converting a 747-8i received as a gift from Qatar into an interim presidential aircraft in ten months. The modified jet, designated the VC-25B bridge aircraft, was presented at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026.

Background on the Program The original VC-25B contract with Boeing, signed during President Trump’s first term, has experienced multi-year delays and billions in cost overruns. The two legacy VC-25A aircraft are now 35 years old, and one is routinely unavailable due to depot maintenance.

The Air Force therefore sought a near-term solution to maintain operational availability for presidential travel until the Boeing jets arrive.

L3Harris performed the conversion using a 24/7, three-shift workforce over the ten-month period. The company retained most of the existing interior monuments and focused modifications on fit-and-finish elements such as leather and wood surfaces. Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris, said the firm also supplied a dedicated flight-training aircraft and a full-scale interior mock-up at Joint Base Andrews.

The company leveraged its FAA-delegated organization authority to certify only the modifications rather than the entire airframe. Lambert declined to discuss classified requirements such as electromagnetic-pulse hardening, aerial refueling, or defensive systems, directing those questions to the Air Force.

President Trump stated during the June 19 ceremony that the aircraft will support international travel, including an upcoming trip to Turkey. The Presidential Airlift Group will continue training on the new platform while L3Harris establishes a sustainment program for the eventual VC-25B fleet.