U.S. Air Force seeks Boeing 737 MAX for VIP airlift, first military order for type
The U.S. Air Force plans to procure Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for VIP airlift under the C-40 designation, marking the first time the MAX variant will be militarised for any government customer. Air Mobility Command confirmed the service received budgetary approval in 2026 for at least one aircraft under a deal reportedly worth up to $250 million.
Why it matters: The MAX gets its first military customer after years of commercial turbulence—low-risk for USAF, high-stakes for Boeing's defence portfolio credibility.
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