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New Air Force One to be Out of Service for Upgrades

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The new Air Force One aircraft is scheduled to be out of service for approximately one month this fall for unspecified "enhancements," White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced Tuesday.

The Boeing 747-8 planes, designated VC-25B, are currently undergoing modifications. While the exact nature of these upgrades was not detailed, the announcement comes amid ongoing scrutiny regarding the aircraft's defensive capabilities. The current presidential aircraft, a Boeing 747-200 known as "Air Force One," has been in service since 1990.

This period of unavailability raises questions about presidential travel logistics and the readiness of the new fleet. The modifications are part of a larger program to replace the aging presidential planes, a project that has faced delays and cost overruns. The new planes are intended to incorporate modern avionics and enhanced security features.