The US Air Force has contracted a Boeing 747‑8 owned by Qatar’s royal family, designating it as a “VC‑25B Bridge” to transport the president until the next‑generation Air Force One aircraft are ready. After an accelerated refurbishment and flight‑test program, the plane is slated to enter service in 2026. The project prioritised secure communications, command and control systems, and security measures, while many luxury interior features were omitted to speed delivery. However, the interim aircraft will lack several advanced defensive and hardening systems found on the standard Air Force One, according to experts, due to time constraints. The move comes as the two new Air Force One jets, also based on the 747‑8, face years of delays and cost overruns, with delivery now expected in 2028, and the temporary plane is intended to fill the gap.