The Max 8s are intended to expand the transport and logistics capacity of units operating the Boeing C-40B and C-40C Clipper. The existing aircraft are military variants of the 737-700 used to transport federal and Department of War officials, along with other personnel.
Boeing has delivered four C-40Bs and seven C-40Cs. The decision to add the newer Max 8 may lead to further orders and a wider modernization of the Air Force’s special transport fleet.
The United States has also been evaluating the purchase of a small number of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft in the Boeing Business Jet configuration since mid-2025. Those aircraft would replace the Air Force’s C-32As, which are military versions of the Boeing 757-200.
C-32As transport senior members of the federal government, including the vice president and first lady. They can also carry the president of the United States in exceptional circumstances.
Boeing has delivered more than 1,800 737 Max 8 aircraft to commercial operators. Its backlog includes orders for more than 2,600 additional aircraft.
The planned Air Force purchase would bring the Max generation into a military transport role previously served by aircraft based on Boeing’s 737 Next Generation family. Military demand may become a more significant part of the programme if the initial procurement is followed by further orders.
