# The US Air Force has finalized a $400 million deal to acquire two Boeing 747-8 airliners from the German flag carrier, Lufthansa.

*aerospace · news · 2026-04-22 · Simple Flying*

## Key points

- The US Air Force bought two Lufthansa Boeing 747-8is due to VC-25B delays and shortages.
- Security clearance requirements for technicians were lowered because of labor shortages affecting presidential aircraft work.
- One Lufthansa 747-8i becomes a training platform, while the other is a spare parts source.
- These acquisitions secure a parts supply and training for a now out-of-production aircraft type.
- Acquiring these jets reduces Air Force dependency on commercial partners for 747-8 pilot training.

**Companies:** Boeing, Lufthansa
**Countries:** United States, Germany

[Read the full story on Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com/why-usaf-snatching-up-lufthansa-boeing-747s/)

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