The United States Air Force (USAF) has announced plans to purchase two retired Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Lufthansa. This acquisition, aimed at enhancing training capabilities and ensuring spare parts availability, is a strategic move as the Air Force prepares to introduce the VC-25B, the next-generation Air Force One. The total cost for these aircraft is approximately $400 million, with the first expected to arrive in early 2026.
Details of the Acquisition
Ann Stefanek, a spokesperson for the USAF, confirmed the aircraft will support training and maintenance efforts for the upcoming 747-8 fleet. The Air Force has emphasized the need for a comprehensive training and sustainment strategy as it transitions from the older VC-25A model, which is based on the Boeing 747-200. Stefanek stated, “As part of the presidential airlift acceleration efforts, the Air Force is procuring two aircraft to support training and spares for the 747-8 fleet.”
Currently, Lufthansa operates a fleet of 27 Boeing 747s, which includes eight 747-400s and 19 747-8s. The airline plans to divest two of its 747-400s in 2026, further indicating a shift in its operational strategy.
The two aircraft being acquired by the USAF have the registrations D-ABYD and D-ABYG. Both are older models within the fleet, with D-ABYD being approximately 13.4 years old and D-ABYG about 12.9 years old. While these aircraft are not the newest in Lufthansa’s inventory, they remain active and are frequently utilized on international routes.
Flight records show that D-ABYG recently operated flights to major cities such as Los Angeles and New York, while D-ABYD has served destinations including Mexico City and Johannesburg.
Future Implications and Fleet Expansion
The acquisition of these two Boeing 747-8s will increase the USAF’s inventory of operational aircraft to four or five by around 2029, a significant enhancement from its current fleet. The future role of these ex-Lufthansa aircraft remains uncertain; they may serve strictly as spare parts or be repurposed for other functions.
Notably, all Boeing 747-8s in the USAF’s future fleet were not originally built for military use. The two currently undergoing retrofitting were initially intended for Russia’s Transaero airline, which went bankrupt in 2015. Boeing repurposed these airframes for the VC-25B program after securing the contract in January 2016.
Historically, the USAF has successfully adapted Boeing 747s for various roles, including as Space Shuttle carriers and command posts. This adaptability reinforces the utility of the 747-8 as a versatile platform, meeting the Air Force’s diverse operational needs.
The global aviation market still supports a robust supply of spare parts for the Boeing 747-8, which ensures that the USAF can maintain these aircraft well into the future. The transition to this model aligns with the Air Force’s strategic goals, as it seeks to modernize its fleet while maintaining a connection to an aircraft that has served the organization for decades.
As the USAF prepares for the arrival of the VC-25B, the addition of these two ex-Lufthansa 747-8s represents a forward-looking approach to ensuring operational readiness and strategic flexibility. The ongoing evolution of the Air Force’s fleet underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of service for presidential and executive airlift operations.
