seeking to upgrade Air Force One by replacing the VC-25A (two heavily modified Boeing 747-200Bs acquired in the late 1980s). In 2009, Boeing was reported to be exploring a 747-8 proposal, along with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner variant. In January 2015, the Air Force announced the selection of the to replace the aging VC-25A for presidential transport. U.S. Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said, "The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States [that] when fully missionized meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission..." In July 2016, Boeing received a second contract for pre-engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) risk-reduction to address "system specification, the environmental control system, the aircraft interior, the electrical and power system and sustainment and maintenance approaches." On August 1, 2017, Defense One reported that to pay less for the replacement program, the U.S. Air Force purchased two undelivered 747-8Is ordered by a bankrupt Russian firm (Transaero); the aircraft had been stored in the Mojave Desert to prevent corrosion. Boeing and the Air Force will retrofit these aircraft with telecommunications and advanced security equipment for the required security level needed by presidential aircraft. On February 27, 2018, the White House announced a fixed-price contract worth $3.9 billion for the development of two new 747-8I-based VC-25B aircraft to replace the aging VC-25A aircraft. In March 2020, modifications started at Boeing's San Antonio, Texas facility, including lower lobe doors and internal airstairs, to be delivered by December 2024. Operators In July 2018, there were 110 Boeing 747-8 aircraft in airline service with Lufthansa (19), Korean Air (17), Cargolux (14), Cathay Pacific Cargo (14), AirBridgeCargo Airlines (11), UPS Airlines (7), Polar Air Cargo (7), Air China (7), Silk Way West Airlines (5), Atlas Air (3), Qatar Airways Cargo (2), Nippon Cargo Airlines (1), and CargoLogicAir (1). Previous operators include Global Supply Systems, a contractor of British Airways, as well as Saudia Cargo. Boeing 747-8I aircraft in special VIP configuration for state leaders have also been ordered. The Qatar Amiri Flight received three VIP Boeing 747-8Is. The State of Kuwait received one VIP in 2012. The Royal Flight of Oman received one VIP in 2012. The Brunei Government received a VIP 747-8I in 2016. The Morocco Government received one VIP 747-8I in 2017. Worldwide Aircraft Holding operated one VIP 747-8 that was sold to the Government of Turkey. One VIP 747-8I was received