New USAF Boeing VC-25B Marks Historic Arrival at New York (JFK) As AF1

USAF Boeing VC-25B Air Force One landing at JFK

Published July 30, 2026

Aviation history was made at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on July 17, 2026, when the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation presidential aircraft, the Boeing VC-25B Bridge (Tail 25-33000), made an extremely rare appearance operating under the iconic callsign Air Force One.

Originating from Joint Base Andrews (ADW), the high-profile flight executed a brief operational stopover at JFK before returning to its home base, drawing significant attention from spotters and aviation enthusiasts across the metropolitan area.

Arrival – Flight AF1

The Boeing VC-25B touched down smoothly on JFK’s Runway 31L at 3:08 PM EDT. As a primary presidential jet platform, the movement required meticulous ground management and strict airspace priority.

The arrival marked one of the first major public appearances of the VC-25B platform carrying the famous presidential livery into a major international commercial hub.

Arrival Flight Data

Detail	Information
Operator	United States Air Force
Aircraft Type	Boeing VC-25B Bridge
Tail Number	25-33000
Callsign	Air Force 1 (AF1)
Origin	Joint Base Andrews (ADW)
Destination	New York JFK (JFK)
Touchdown Time	3:08 PM EDT
Landing Runway	31L
Rarity Level	Extremely Rare

Departure – Quick Turnaround to ADW

Following a streamlined 75-minute ground turnaround, the aircraft prepared for its return flight. The VC-25B taxied out to Runway 31L and departed JFK at 4:23 PM EDT, climbing out bound for Joint Base Andrews.

Departure Flight Data

Detail	Information
Operator	United States Air Force
Aircraft Type	Boeing VC-25B Bridge
Tail Number	25-33000
Callsign	Air Force 1 (AF1)
Origin	New York JFK (JFK)
Destination	Joint Base Andrews (ADW)
Departure Time	4:23 PM EDT
Takeoff Runway	31L
Rarity Level	Extremely Rare

The Boeing VC-25B

Designed to replace the aging VC-25A (based on the Boeing 747-200B) that has served the President of the United States for decades, the VC-25B is derived from the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental airframe. Outfitted with state-of-the-art secure communications, defense systems, and executive accommodations, it serves as a mobile command center for the Chief Executive.

Key Aircraft Highlights

Base Platform: Modified Boeing 747-8I
Primary Role: Presidential Transport (Air Force One)
Operating Unit: 89th Airlift Wing / 1st Airlift Squadron
Home Station: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland