Boeing announced that it has been awarded a $400 million contract to acquire two Boeing 747‑8 aircraft from Lufthansa, to be used for training and sustainment of the U.S. Air Force’s presidential airlift fleet. The deal, announced on December 16, 2025, will provide the Air Force with additional aircraft for training scenarios and spare‑parts support while the primary Air Force One replacement program remains in development.
The contract is a significant win for Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security (BDS) segment. In the third quarter of 2025, BDS generated $6.9 billion in revenue—up 25% year‑over‑year—and posted a 1.7% operating margin. The segment’s backlog stood at $76 billion at the end of the quarter. Adding the 747‑8 sustainment program to that backlog gives Boeing a predictable, long‑term revenue stream that offsets the volatility of its commercial aviation business.
The 747‑8 program ended in January 2023, so the aircraft being purchased are from the used‑aircraft market. The 747‑8i variant is no longer in serial production, and the two aircraft will not be used as active Air Force One aircraft. Instead, they will support training and spare‑parts logistics for the presidential fleet.
This acquisition is distinct from the VC‑25B Air Force One replacement program, which involves converting two 747‑8i aircraft into presidential transports. The VC‑25B program, originally awarded for $3.9 billion in 2018, has faced significant delays and cost overruns, with the first aircraft now expected in mid‑2028. The 747‑8s purchased under the new contract help maintain readiness during the transition.
Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg highlighted the contract in the company’s Q3 2025 earnings call, noting that “continued demand across all of our defense and security segments underscores the resilience of our business.” The comment signals confidence in Boeing’s ability to deliver long‑term support services even as commercial aviation faces headwinds.
From a business perspective, the contract provides Boeing with a stable, long‑term revenue stream from sustainment and support services, reinforcing the company’s defense portfolio and demonstrating U.S. government confidence amid the VC‑25B program’s challenges. The deal also positions Boeing to capitalize on the growing demand for presidential airlift readiness and spare‑parts logistics.
No immediate market reaction data were found for this government procurement, which is typical for such contracts. The announcement is primarily of strategic importance to Boeing’s defense business and the U.S. presidential airlift program.
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