Air Force One has four engines chosen for a specific reason as well as 'unlimited' range in the air
Published on Oct 12, 2025 at 12:36 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Oct 09, 2025 at 9:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
Air Force One is powered by four enormous engines.
It is, without a doubt, one of the most recognisable aircraft in the world.
There are actually two Air Force One planes that are used to transport the President of the United States.
And they come with four engines chosen for a specific reason – as well as ‘unlimited’ air range.
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Air Force One is special for a number of reasons
Although it is most associated with the enormous blue-and-white aircraft, Air Force One isn’t actually just that one plane.
The moniker ‘Air Force One’ actually applies to any aircraft carrying the President of the United States (POTUS).
Its title came from the Presidency of John F. Kennedy, back when JFK was flying on a VC-137.
Officially designated as VC-25 by the Air Force, the name now refers to the current Boeing 747-200B series aircraft.
Air Force One officially has a nautical range of 6,800 miles – but there are procedures in place that allow it to ‘fly forever’.
That is because the President’s plane is capable of refuelling in mid-air.
The aircraft’s exterior is armored and extremely well-protected against EMPs.
Even the engines, manufactured by General Electric, are modified to keep the plane flying safely.
What four engines power the President’s plane?
Speaking of the engines – what is the story with the powerplants that keep Air Force One flying?
Well, as mentioned above, there are four of them – all manufactured by General Electric.
Both Boeing 747-200 units come with four GE CF6-80C2B1 engines, and each is capable of producing more than 56,700lbs of thrust power.
They allow the plane to reach a maximum cruising speed of 630mph.
These General Electric Engines weren’t just selected for their immense power.
They are also extremely dependable, and come with a stellar service record.
According to GE, these particular engines have accumulated more than 50 million hours of flying time.
They also have an almost-perfect reliability rating from their time in the skies.
The two Boeing 747-200 aircraft that currently serve as Air Force One are ageing, so the Air Force plans to replace them with the new Boeing 747-8.
It is planned that the new aircraft will have GEnx-2B 787 Technology Engines, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient than the current engines.
What makes this topic so interesting is that the current president could be the factor in changing all of this.
Current US President Donald Trump accepted the gift of a new Boeing 747-8 from the Emir of Qatar.
It has been hotly speculated that it is this plane that could be converted into the new Air Force One.
The timetable for replacing Air Force One has been repeatedly changed and altered.
A new timeline of 2027 has been suggested, and it will certainly be interesting to see what unfolds.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
