President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Boeing highlights the ongoing delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft, sparking concerns about project timelines and cost overruns.
At a Glance
- Trump ordered two new Air Force One planes from Boeing in 2018, with delivery now delayed to at least 2029
- The $3.9 billion project is $2 billion over budget due to various challenges
- Boeing faces difficulties retrofitting the planes to meet Pentagon standards
- Elon Musk is working with Boeing to expedite the delivery of the Air Force One replacements
- Trump expresses frustration over delays, potentially impacting his use of the new jets if re-elected
Project Delays and Challenges
The Air Force One replacement project, initiated during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2018, has encountered significant setbacks. Originally slated for delivery in 2024, the two Boeing 747-8 aircraft are now not expected to be ready until at least 2029. This delay has raised concerns about the project’s management and Boeing’s ability to meet contractual obligations.
Trump expected them to get it done quickly, but even after four years of the Biden presidency, Boeing still hasn’t delivered.
The planes, initially ordered for a now-defunct Russian airline, require extensive modifications to meet the stringent security and technological requirements of the U.S. Air Force. Boeing has faced numerous challenges in this retrofitting process, including issues with wiring, interiors, and staffing with appropriately credentialed personnel.
Boeing's Air Force One Delays: Trump Won't Fly Anytime Soon
👉 Boeing's supply chain issues & inflation cause major delays for Air Force One.
👉 New 747 delivery now expected by 2029, long after Trump's potential second term.
⚠️ Frustration grows as Trump questions Boeing's… pic.twitter.com/MlWgNZAavC
— ZeroHedge Notes (@ZeroHedgeNotes) December 13, 2024
The project’s financials have also come under scrutiny. The original $3.9 billion deal, negotiated by Trump, who claimed to have reduced the cost from $4.2 billion, has now ballooned to approximately $2 billion over budget. This cost increase is attributed to various factors, including a bankrupt subcontractor, labor shortages, and the complexities of meeting security clearance requirements.
“The delay is startling given that Boeing isn’t building the planes from scratch. During Trump’s first term, Boeing started to overhaul two 747s that were built for a Russian airline that never took the jets. Crews have been working in San Antonio on retrofitting the planes to meet exacting Pentagon standards so it can serve as a flying White House,” The Wall Street Journal reported.
Boeing’s CEO, Dave Calhoun, has expressed regret over the fixed-price contract terms, which require the company to cover any additional costs. This situation has put significant financial pressure on Boeing, with the Air Force One contract reportedly not being profitable for the company.
Trump’s Involvement and Frustrations
During his recent visit to Boeing, Trump toured an airplane to review new hardware and technology features. He expressed frustration over the delays in the Air Force One project, which may prevent him from using the new jets during the next four years.
Trump’s interest in changing Air Force One’s color scheme from light blue to a darker blue, reminiscent of his private Boeing 757, also remains a point of discussion.
An aide commented, “The model was on the coffee table in the Oval Office and he pointed it out many times to foreign and domestic visitors. He thought it represented America more and represented strength, the red, white and blue.”
In an effort to address the ongoing issues, Elon Musk, who now officially serves the Trump administration, is working closely with Boeing to expedite the delivery of the Air Force One replacements, potentially influencing production speed and efficiency.
Trump is lighting a fire beneath them to get this done.
