Talking Points Memo reports that “the Boeing 747-8 will serve as the next Air Force One, the aircraft used by the president, the US Air Force announced on Wednesday.”  

“‘The presidential aircraft is one of the most visible symbols of the United States of America and the office of the president of the United States,’ Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said in a statement. ‘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, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest.'”  

Defense News adds that “the president is flown in a heavily modified Boeing 747-200B. When he is on board the plane, it is known as Air Force One.”  

The USAF release is here .