Trump-Era Bridge Air Force One Jet Officially Arrives At Joint Base Andrews

The VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrived at Joint Base Andrews to begin initial commissioning flights. The modified Boeing 747-8i, previously operated by Qatar's Amiri Flight, will serve as an interim Presidential transport to support the aging VC-25A fleet. The aircraft received new livery and government modifications before delivery, with L3Harris performing communications and self-protection upgrades. Boeing provided engineering data support, and the Bridge program modification is estimated at under $400 million. The broader VC-25B program totals about $5.7 billion through fiscal 2031, while the primary VC-25Bs were originally slated for 2024 delivery but are now projected around 2028.

Commissioning flights will validate mission capability, including secure transport for the President. The aircraft will join the active fleet alongside the VC-25A and C-32 after certification. To prepare, Atlas Air leased a 747-8F for training starting October 2025, and Lufthansa provided a 747-8i as a full-time training asset. A three-dimensional interior mock-up was delivered in January 2026 for evaluation. The primary VC-25B delivery schedule has shifted from 2024 to around 2028.