With the VC-25B programme still running late, Washington may have found a surprisingly practical stopgap.
According to FliegerFaust sources, the White House and U.S. Air Force have quietly evaluated the Airbus A220 as an interim Air Force One Light amid continuing delays to the future VC-25B fleet.
At first glance, the idea sounds improbable. Yet insiders insist the A220 aircraft checks several important boxes: modern avionics, strong dispatch reliability, lower operating costs than a four-engine jumbo, and enough cabin space for staff, press, security, and at least one senior official whose only job is to say, “Sir, perhaps not on social media.”
Airbus A220 Air Force One Light – AFOL
The reported internal concept, informally referred to as “Air Force One Light”, would preserve the most important presidential requirements while adapting to today’s procurement reality: if the replacement 747-8s are still not ready, perhaps the presidency needs an aircraft that can actually be delivered this decade. (More about the Airbus A220)
Sources say the proposed presidential A220, or AFOL, would include secure communications, a compact executive suite, defensive systems, a press section, and a reconfigured galley capable of supporting long missions—though early cabin studies reportedly ran into trouble when planners realized there was still no obvious place for a full-scale ceremonial staircase entrance. Security planners reportedly approved the concept in principle, while protocol staff remain deeply concerned about the optics of fewer stairways.
The idea reportedly gained traction after officials revisited the growing complexity of the VC-25B transition. As FliegerFaust recently reported, the U.S. Air Force is already buying additional Boeing 747-8 aircraft to support training and sustainment while the main programme continues to slip. At that point, one source allegedly asked the question now echoing through Washington: “If we need extra aircraft just to support the future Air Force One, why not simply use an A220 and move on?”
Boeing declined to comment, though several executives were reportedly seen searching for “interim presidential narrowbody options“. Airbus also declined to comment. Several observers noted an unusual increase in interest around “large-cabin, transcontinental, highly visible blue-and-white executive transport concepts.”
At press time, no final decision had been announced. However, FliegerFaust understands that one draft briefing note already compares the proposed aircraft favorably with the 747-based solution in one key area: parking.
Editor’s note: Please check today’s date. – April 1, 2026
Very good, lol. Almost got me, Sylvain!