Lufthansa Reportedly Moves to Sell Two Boeing 747-8s to the US Air Force
Aviation News – Lufthansa is reportedly selling two Boeing 747-8 aircraft to the US Air Force as an interim solution to delays affecting the next-generation presidential aircraft program, a move that could help bridge a critical capability gap.
The reported transaction comes as the US Air Force faces significant delays in the delivery of two newly built Boeing 747-8s ordered to replace the current Air Force One fleet. According to recent disclosures, the new aircraft are now not expected to be ready until at least mid-2028, pushing the timeline well beyond earlier expectations.
The aircraft involved are two Boeing 747-8s currently owned by Lufthansa, one of the world’s largest airline operators of the type. The US Air Force has already contracted Boeing to manufacture and heavily modify two new 747-8s for presidential use, but ongoing technical, supply chain, and certification challenges have slowed progress on the program.
The Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, widebody aircraft known for its range, payload capacity, and reliability. Acquiring existing airframes could allow the Air Force to accelerate modification work, bypassing some manufacturing delays while critical systems are installed, bolted into place, and tested to meet stringent security and communications requirements.
Photo Jeroen Vogelaar
