The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire a Boeing 737 MAX for VIP transport, extending its C-40 executive airlift fleet and making the service the first military operator of the MAX family. Air Mobility Command has confirmed the intent to use $250 million authorised in the fiscal 2026 defence budget for the purchase, while training work is already being prepared to support rapid fielding.
The move shifts the Air Force from operating earlier 737-based C-40 aircraft to introducing the newer MAX variant for high-priority transport missions. Current planning includes differences training for experienced 737 pilots, with a related contract due to take effect on 1 November. No delivery schedule has been set and the exact MAX variant has not been identified publicly, leaving the procurement details open even as the service moves ahead with the requirement.