Boeing faces crisis over delayed Air Force One jets
- Boeing's production of the new Air Force One jets has been delayed until at least 2029, much later than originally planned.
- The existing Air Force One jets have been in service since President George H.W. Bush's term, marking nearly 35 years of operation.
- The delays and financial losses faced by Boeing have prompted President Trump to consider alternative solutions, including acquiring an interim airplane.
The United States is currently facing significant delays in the delivery of its new Air Force One jets from Boeing. Originally scheduled for delivery by 2022, recent estimates suggest that the first of the two VC-25B aircraft may not be completed until 2029. These jets are being converted from second-hand Boeing 747-8s in a complicated process that has plagued the project with various setbacks. In February 2020, Boeing began refurbishing these jets after signing the contract in 2017, but now the project has escalated into a costly and embarrassing situation for the company. The Air Force is relying heavily on these new jets as the existing fleet, VC-25A aircraft, have been in service for nearly 35 years. With the urgency for a timely upgrade, President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the delays and has even explored alternatives, including acquiring and modifying an interim aircraft. Trump has publicly noted that he is dissatisfied with the prolonged timeline and has indicated a willingness to act swiftly to ensure some form of presidential air travel. Plans have emerged for potential modifications to a former Qatari royal family 747 for interim use, with aerospace firms reportedly involved in the conversion discussions. In addition, the Air Force has relayed willingness to ease certain high-level security requirements, which might help expedite the timeline. As Boeing deals with the repercussions of this $3.9 billion contract, their financial losses exceed $2 billion due to these delays. This has resulted in growing public scrutiny and accountability pressures, particularly from high-profile figures like the President. The implications of these delays extend beyond mere logistics, possibly impacting critical national security aspects and the perception of U.S. aerospace capabilities. Boeing's reliance on U.S. government contracts, constituting a large portion of its revenue, puts added pressure on the company to resolve these issues promptly and ensure national commitments for reliable presidential air transport.