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The War Zone • Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

L3Harris completes 10-month transformation of Qatar-gifted 747-8i into interim VC-25B “Air Force One”

L3Harris used roughly 10 months to convert the Qatar-donated Boeing 747-8i into an interim VC-25B presidential transport. The build accelerates the near-term Air Force One replacement path while the broader next-generation VC-25B program continues to mature.

2026-06-22T15:25:10.225754-07:00

Washington Post

VC-25A “Air Force One” 29000 likely completes final presidential sortie after 35-year Airlift history; White House staff bid far

2026-06-18T07:49:05.950006-07:00

FlightGlobal

KLM flags Airbus A350 freighter delivery slippage as it accelerates A330-200 retirement ahead of first A350 passenger arrival

2026-06-11T03:44:56.474624-07:00

ch-aviation

South Korea to extend B747-8 presidential jet lease

2026-06-17T20:33:34.204615-07:00

News Timeline

The War Zone

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L3Harris completes 10-month transformation of Qatar-gifted 747-8i into interim VC-25B “Air Force One” L3Harris used roughly 10 months to convert the Qatar-donated Boeing 747-8i into an interim VC-25B presidential transport. The build accelerates the near-term Air Force One replacement path while the broader next-generation VC-25B program continues to mature.

2026-06-22T15:25:10.225754-07:00

L3Harris completes 10-month transformation of Qatar-gifted 747-8i into interim VC-25B “Air Force One”

Washington Post

VC-25A “Air Force One” 29000 likely completes final presidential sortie after 35-year Airlift history; White House staff bid far The White House staffers posted tributes suggesting VC-25A Air Force One aircraft 29000—an extensively modified Boeing 747-200 used since 1990—may have completed its last scheduled presidential flight. The handoff comes as three next-generation VC-25B “Bridge” jets are moving toward delivery, positioning a replacement for the 35-year “Air Force One” call sign.

2026-06-18T07:49:05.950006-07:00

VC-25A “Air Force One” 29000 likely completes final presidential sortie after 35-year Airlift history; White House staff bid far

ch-aviation

South Korea to extend B747-8 presidential jet lease

2026-06-17T20:33:34.204615-07:00

South Korea to extend B747-8 presidential jet lease

The Atlantic

Boeing 747’s Retirement Marks the End of the “Queen of the Skies” Era The Boeing 747 is entering its final retirement phase, signaling the closure of an iconic chapter in U.S. commercial aviation design and ambition. The type’s drawdown also reframes how legacy widebody fleets are being preserved or repurposed, including through museum-style second lives.

2026-06-12T04:13:02.615274-07:00

Boeing 747’s Retirement Marks the End of the “Queen of the Skies” Era

FlightGlobal

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KLM flags Airbus A350 freighter delivery slippage as it accelerates A330-200 retirement ahead of first A350 passenger arrival KLM’s CEO Marjan Rintel says delays to the Airbus A350 freighter program are forcing KLM Cargo to keep aging Boeing 747 freighters in service longer than planned. Separately, KLM is preparing to retire its Airbus A330-200 fleet faster as its first A350 passenger jet is due in August or September.

2026-06-11T03:44:56.474624-07:00

KLM flags Airbus A350 freighter delivery slippage as it accelerates A330-200 retirement ahead of first A350 passenger arrival

The War Zone

VC-25B “Bridge” 747-8i nears summer debut with final modifications and Trump-era red, white and blue livery update The Air Force’s VC-25B “Bridge” aircraft is in a final modification phase ahead of its official summer debut, including updated cabin/exterior presentation reflecting Trump-preferred red, white and blue Air Force One-style livery. The program’s rollout readiness reinforces near-term interim capability as the long-term VC-25B replacement schedule continues to mature.

2026-06-08T18:13:10.064968-07:00

VC-25B “Bridge” 747-8i nears summer debut with final modifications and Trump-era red, white and blue livery update

FlightGlobal

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China Airlines approves $876M order for two additional Boeing 777Fs, expanding its 777 freighter orderbook China Airlines’ board approved the purchase of two additional Boeing 777 freighters on 26 May in a deal valued at about $876 million, adding to a November 2025 order for six Boeing freighters. The stock-exchange disclosure signals continued investment in widebody freighter capacity.

2026-05-27T19:30:12.522611-07:00

China Airlines approves $876M order for two additional Boeing 777Fs, expanding its 777 freighter orderbook

AeroTime

Stratolaunch and Missile Defense Agency complete March hypersonic test with reusable Talon-A3, launched from an operational ex-V Stratolaunch says it flew a March hypersonic test for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency using its reusable Talon-A3 vehicle, launched from the company’s carrier aircraft (Spirit of Mojave) configured for the mission. The sortie—now disclosed—aims to mature new hypersonic technologies via continued reuse and flight validation.

2026-05-21T12:39:25.249024-07:00

Stratolaunch and Missile Defense Agency complete March hypersonic test with reusable Talon-A3, launched from an operational ex-V

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Boeing 747 News

L3Harris completes 10-month transformation of Qatar-gifted 747-8i into interim VC-25B “Air Force One”

VC-25A “Air Force One” 29000 likely completes final presidential sortie after 35-year Airlift history; White House staff bid far

KLM flags Airbus A350 freighter delivery slippage as it accelerates A330-200 retirement ahead of first A350 passenger arrival

South Korea to extend B747-8 presidential jet lease

News Timeline