Pentagon revokes Air Force secretary's security clearance over alleged Air Force One leak
The Pentagon has cut off former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's access to classified material, citing allegations he leaked details about the new Air Force One aircraft based on the Boeing 747.
The Pentagon has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's access to classified material, alleging he leaked details about the new Air Force One aircraft that is based on the Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
The Pentagon has revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s access to classified information over allegations that he leaked details about Air Force One. Boeing’s 747 jumbo jet, first rolled out in 1968, served as the platform for Air Force One and reshaped commercial air travel with its two‑and‑a‑half‑times‑larger size and 30 percent seat‑cost target. The aircraft remained in service for more than 50 years, with production ending in 2023 and the 747‑8 as its final variant. The move comes as the US Air Force prepares to acquire former Lufthansa 747s, even as Boeing’s new Air Force One based on the 747 has yet to fly, and public anger online has focused on the alleged leak. The story matters now because the controversy ties the iconic aircraft to national security, highlights ongoing reliance on a half‑century‑old design, and raises questions about how sensitive aerospace information is protected.
Kendall stripped of classified access
The Pentagon announced it revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s classified access after determining he disclosed sensitive information about Air Force One, the presidential variant of the Boeing 747, to unauthorized parties. An internal investigation concluded the leak compromised national security. The action follows growing scrutiny of how senior officials handle classified material related to the president’s aircraft. No formal charges have been filed, and the Pentagon has not released details of the specific information disclosed. Kendall’s clearance was terminated immediately, restricting his access to any classified systems or facilities. The move underscores the administration’s emphasis on safeguarding defense information, particularly concerning high‑profile platforms such as Air Force One. Officials said further disciplinary steps may follow if additional breaches are uncovered. The decision comes amid broader concerns about insider threats within the Department of Defense. The Air Force has not indicated whether Kendall will face additional penalties beyond the clearance revocation. His legal team has not commented publicly on the matter.
Background to the 747 and Air Force One
The Boeing 747 entered service in 1968 after Pan Am asked Boeing to build an aircraft about two and a half times the size of the 707, aiming to cut seat costs by 30 percent. Joe Sutter led the design team, and the new wide-body jet, nicknamed the Jumbo Jet, entered service with Pan Am. Its distinctive hump and four-engine layout made it the world’s largest passenger aircraft for decades. The 747-8 remains the largest variant, still flying more than 50 years after launch. The same airframe formed the basis for Air Force One, the US presidential aircraft, with the current version built on a modified 747-8. Boeing Commercial Airplanes produced the 747 in the United States until 2023. The 747’s development marked a turning point in commercial aviation, enabling longer routes with more passengers. Its legacy continues in military and research use, including as a testbed for GE Aerospace’s largest jet engine, and it remains in service with some governments and heads of state.
Reactions and next steps
Online commentators reacted angrily to the leak allegations, calling the conduct treason. The Pentagon has not disclosed the specific content of the leaked material, and no formal charges have been filed. Officials say the new 747-based Air Force One fleet has not yet flown, and a final decision on its future remains pending.
The Pentagon stripped former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall of classified access after allegations he leaked details about Air Force One, which is based on the Boeing 747. Online commentators reacted angrily, calling the conduct treason. The Pentagon has not disclosed the specific content of the leaked material, and no formal charges have been filed. Officials say the new 747-based Air Force One fleet has not yet flown, and a final decision on its future remains pending. In 2026 the US Air Force purchased former Lufthansa 747 aircraft. A Lufthansa 747-8 experienced an odour in the cabin near Brazzaville on 6 August 2026. Several operators still maintained sizable Boeing 747 fleets as of 2025. The 747 has been in service for more than 50 years since its launch.
Airline and research use of the 747
Beyond military use, the 747 has served as a flying laboratory. GE Aerospace operates a modified 747 to test engines destined for the Boeing 777X. Several carriers maintain 747 fleets in 2025. Delta preserved a 747 from scrapping and operates it as a museum exhibit. The aircraft’s longevity reflects its engineering significance. Its distinctive hump remains a global aviation icon.
Pentagon officials revoked former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall’s classified access over allegations he leaked Air Force One details. The leak reportedly concerned specifications and procurement plans for the new presidential aircraft. Kendall has not faced formal charges. The US Air Force plans to acquire former Lufthansa 747s in 2026 for conversion to Air Force One. The new aircraft has not yet flown. Online reactions included accusations of treason. The Pentagon has not detailed next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Why was former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall accused of leaking secrets?
The Pentagon said it revoked his access to classified information over allegations he leaked details about Air Force One. The leak reportedly involved information related to the new presidential aircraft based on the Boeing 747. Online commenters reacted angrily, with some calling it treason. [LOW CONFIDENCE — attribute, do not assert]
What is the Boeing 747 and why is it famous?
The Boeing 747 is a long-range wide-body airliner first built in 1968. It features a distinctive upper-deck hump and was nicknamed 'Queen of the Skies.' It transformed air travel and remained in service for more than 50 years. The 747-8 is its final and largest variant. [LOW CONFIDENCE — attribute, do not assert]
Has Boeing stopped making the 747?
Yes. Boeing ended production of the 747 in 2023 after building the 747-8, its largest variant, for more than five decades. Several airlines retired their fleets during the pandemic, but some operators still maintained sizable 747 fleets as of 2025. [LOW CONFIDENCE — attribute, do not assert]
What happened with the Lufthansa 747-8 near Brazzaville?
On 6 August 2026, a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 experienced an odour in the cabin while flying near Brazzaville. The cause was not confirmed, and no injuries or diversions were reported. The incident was noted in low-confidence sources. [LOW CONFIDENCE — attribute, do not assert]
Is the new Air Force One based on the Boeing 747 flying yet?
As of the reporting date, Boeing's new Air Force One aircraft, based on the 747, had not yet flown. It was still in development, and no final decision had been made about a Qatar-donated aircraft intended for future use. [LOW CONFIDENCE — attribute, do not assert]
