The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire a Boeing 737 MAX for VIP transport, using $250 million authorised in the fiscal 2026 defence budget to expand its C-40 fleet. The aircraft would be the service’s first military-operated 737 MAX and would add a newer type to an executive transport fleet now based on the 737-700 Next Generation.
Air Mobility Command has been preparing for the move, including a July training solicitation tied to a Boeing 737-8 MAX. No delivery schedule, contract award or exact variant has been identified, leaving the procurement timeline open. The most likely candidate appears to be a MAX 7, which would most closely match the current C-40B/C configuration, while a MAX 10 would offer more cabin space but less range. The plan follows earlier attempts to obtain a MAX that did not advance, and could shape future replacement planning for the C-40 and wider VIP transport mission.