The New Air Force One Is Coming, But Not Soon Enough for Obama

Boeing has landed the contract to manufacture the next generation of the presidential airplane.

US-POLITICS-OBAMA-DEPARTURE — Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP

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By Margaret Talev

January 28, 2015 at 9:51 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

It's one of the most recognizable symbols of American power, a gleaming fixture in numerous Hollywood political action films, and, when it comes right down to it, a darn cool ride.

But soon, Air Force One will be getting a makeover. That's not exactly surprising given that the two Boeing 747-200 aircraft that most often transport President Barack Obama (his plane is always called Air Force One) are nearing a 30-year planned service life in 2017. My colleague Tony Capaccio reported Wednesday that Boeing is getting the contract for three modified 747-8 passenger planes, after Air Force Secretary Deborah James signed a document justifying Boeing's spot as the sole source contractor. Specialized equipment for the new aircraft will go out for bids. Capaccio also says the Air Force is budgeting $1.6 billion through 2019 on research for that presidential aircraft replacement program.