The DEW Line just got a hold of the RFI for a new Presidential transport to replace the VC-25A as Air Force One in 2017. 
Frankly, what's important here is what's not said in the RFP. There's no specification on a twin or four engine requirement or anything about where final assembly has to take place. I think this leaves open the door for A380 as a contender here as Airbus has already demonstrated its willingness to conduct modifications to commercial aircraft in the US.
The PAR aircraft will be a new-build, commercial derivative, wide-body aircraft, uniquely modified to meet the current and projected requirements for the worldwide transportation of the Office of the President. Modifications regarding passenger communications, information systems, interior work & rest environment, and aerial refueling must be accomplished before delivery of the aircraft. The delivery of the first operationally capable aircraft is required in FY17, with delivery of the second and third aircraft in FY19 and FY21, respectively. The PAR aircraft must maintain the highest possible mission capable rate.
Read the complete RFI
Frankly, what's important here is what's not said in the RFP. There's no specification on a twin or four engine requirement or anything about where final assembly has to take place. I think this leaves open the door for A380 as a contender here as Airbus has already demonstrated its willingness to conduct modifications to commercial aircraft in the US.Don't rule out the 777-300ER either, there's actually more lower deck cargo room than the current 747-200 which it could replace.
Also, I wouldn't be so quick to say the President won't fly on a non-US aircraft. The VH-71A, which is derived from an AugustWestland EH-101, will transport President Obama beginning in 2010.
So what actually goes into the VC-25A to make it Air Force One? Hey, where's the escape pod?
on January 8, 2009 3:09 PM | Reply
Jon, this is RFI, not RFP.
For example, after canceling infamous KC-767 lease contract in January 2006, USAF issued RFI for aerial refuel tanker in April 2006.
RFP for the KC-X tanker was issued in January 2007.
Yaz
on January 8, 2009 3:59 PM | Reply
Well, if the USAF wants to buy the A380 , they better budget $$$ to replace the current AF1 hangar, cause I don't think a "Whalejet" will fit in there.
on January 8, 2009 5:02 PM | Reply
The a380 has zero chance now that Obama is President-elect.
on January 8, 2009 7:42 PM | Reply
The National Security requirements would exclude the A-380 for the following reasons. It can only land at select airfields that our enemies know about in advance. The president would have limited travel destinations during the normal course of presidential travel.
However, the 747-8 opens up more possibilities and gives four engine long range capability even though the A-380 has similar long range capability, the 747-8 would have more operational flexibility. The 777 notion is an interesting concept except for the two engine may give security experts pause due to a saftey margin standard when encountering hostile conditions.
on January 9, 2009 12:23 AM | Reply
Definitely, the 747-8i. No options.
on January 9, 2009 12:24 AM | Reply
Definitely, the 747-8i. No options.
on January 9, 2009 12:24 AM | Reply
Definitely, the 747-8i. No options.
on January 9, 2009 12:26 AM | Reply
Definitely, the 747-8i. No options.
on January 9, 2009 3:20 AM | Reply
An A380 and B747-8 can land at more or less exactly the same places, most people seem to confuse the issue because an airport is not A380 ready due to not having the extra double story bridges which are not an issue in this use of the A380.
Will be an interesting one to watch in the next couple of years. EIS 2017 is still a long time away, so plenty of chances to cancel and re-start the process like the tanker deal.
on January 9, 2009 8:15 AM | Reply
Unless Obama gets 'plane' envy at a future economic summit where the Europeans arrive in a 'presiedential' A380, I can't see AF-1 being anything other than American built.
on January 9, 2009 10:54 AM | Reply
Does the US president still need such a huge, fuel hungry aeroplane? Surely a 787 or A350 would make more sense in these carbon sensitive times? Given security concerns an A340 would be the best combination - but given the xenophobia usually surrounding these issues- only a US jet would be deemed to be suitable.
on January 9, 2009 11:09 AM | Reply
And what will happen if Russian or other powerfull country president buy A380? Will AF-1 be a smaller aircraft than other presidential aircrafts?
From my point of view A380 has all to win (market is market) and it is an aircraft that is flying now. We don't know if B747-8i will fly (overweight, overloaded, over, over, over.... over striked...)
on January 9, 2009 12:42 PM | Reply
I would hope it's the 747. I'd hate to see the President flying around in a plane built in FRANCE.
So, Layman, is it Xenophobia when the President of France does a no-bid A330 contract? Boeing wasn't even considered or offered opportunity to bid.
on January 9, 2009 2:51 PM | Reply
Dear Henry, it is difficult for me to belive what are you talking about....How blind some eyes could be.....First, A380 components are built in several countries and there are two assembly lines, one in France and one in Germany. Second, don't you like B787 because of it is 50% made in Italy and the rest in Japan...?
I wouldn't consider it xenophobia, it is stupity. I want the best for my country an if the best come from outside it will be welcome for two reasons: we will have the best and we will push our companies to be better and more competitive in a global market, if not, you are condemned american workers in a close future (like russian workers with comunism) because dad will not always be there.
on January 9, 2009 3:36 PM | Reply
Dear Skyvoyager,
I didn't realize that the B787 will be Italian/Japanese only. Please notify Spirit AeroSystems, Vought, and Goodrich (for some) that they are not making parts for the 787. This news is going to drop a few stock prices!
on January 10, 2009 7:51 AM | Reply
An American president in a non-American AF-1 aircraft? LOL!! I can't believe that there is so little to talk about that you even have to pull out such a topic...hahaha...funny enough though.
on January 11, 2009 11:24 PM | Reply
Congress surely won't allow a single source stitch up And yet it would be astonishing for them to sanction a 'johnny foreigner' product.
on January 13, 2009 2:49 AM | Reply
my bet is on the 747-8i
american, more airports, newer, greener
i don't think other countries can afford 380, except maybe the chinese
on January 13, 2009 9:12 AM | Reply
Rene, how small minded are you? Do you really believe just the US is able to afford such an airplane? I guess at least 100 nations would be able to do so. But they just don´t need such a huge plane, because they just wanna get from one to another city and if the max. distance of the plane is enough a 777 or A330 is a good choice.
on January 19, 2009 8:40 AM | Reply
The Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747 both can land at the SAME airports. People mistakenly believe that the A380 cannot land where a 747 can. The misconception arises from the differing gate requirements. Air Force One NEVER pulls up to a gate, so there really is no difference at all.
on January 19, 2009 8:40 AM | Reply
The Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747 both can land at the SAME airports. People mistakenly believe that the A380 cannot land where a 747 can. The misconception arises from the differing gate requirements. Air Force One NEVER pulls up to a gate, so there really is no difference at all.
on January 20, 2009 6:11 PM | Reply
About comments if Obama will fly on a non-US plane: I think that it is a people perception that he should fly a US made plane. News outlets can make a big story out of that and people will follow them. So I think he better to fly US made plane then non-us.
on June 1, 2009 5:44 AM | Reply
hi tschemu
you're very much well informed
pray tell the 100 countries that can afford to buy and maintan the a380, even a 777, as an executive aircraft
thanks
on June 29, 2009 5:50 PM | Reply
By Ignatius J.blr.
An American President flying in non-US Airplane instead of his "MADE IN USA BRAND Air Force One B747-8i." will be a presentation to the whole world & still its proud of USA ! Recently President Obama concerned reg Out Sourcing and to provide jobs to fellow Americans in years to come is good sign'. Already GM closing down with large work force.
Now Boeing facing short of new orders, and delay of new
airplanes deliveries due to outsourcing major spare parts, plus strikes. Hope President Obama administration will be more keen on counter-trade with other major countries to put back US economy to better stage, and leave Iraq & Afghanistan at the by way of PEACE. This comments I made without hurting knowingly or unknowinly. Thanks & God Blessings.
on August 27, 2009 3:36 PM | Reply
Why not both? You must remember that there are always TWO Air Force Ones. The current ones are tailcode 28000 and 29000. The 747-8 could be say 30000 and a380 be 31000. And the Air Force is also looking to replace some of the older C-5A transports as they build the new C-5M models (they will still use C-5B and C). To replace the aging C-5As, they are looking at the A380. Unless another freighter is procured before that, it would be designated the C-28A, with the presidential one being the VC-28A. The 747-8 would likely be the VC-25B.
On another note, the United Arab Emirates has ordered the A380 for their VIP transport. They also plan to gild it in goldleaf, making it the largest piece o "bling" in the world.