Boeing 747-8 Chosen as Next Generation of Air Force One

The US Air Force has chosen the Boeing 747-8 as the next generation of Air Force One, replacing the aging VC-25A jets. The decision was widely expected, with Boeing's 747-8 being the only four-engine commercial jet in production. The Air Force Secretary Deborah James said that the 747-8 is the 'only aircraft manufactured in the United States' that meets the necessary capabilities for the presidential support mission.

The new contract will not be a direct order, but rather a sole source contract that Boeing must negotiate with the Air Force. This means that Boeing will need to adapt the jet for presidential use over several years. The Air Force plans to purchase enough of the technical baseline to permit competition for maintenance during the plane's planned 30-year lifespan.

The 747-8 was chosen due to its four-engine design, which provides an extra margin of flight safety over twin-engine planes. Richard Aboulafia, an analyst at Teal Group, said that the Air Force order will add up to a huge cost for Boeing, but it might be an opportunity for the program to come to an end.