The delivery of Boeing’s next-generation Air Force One jetliner, intended to transport the U.S. president, has been delayed yet again, pushing the estimated arrival date to 2029 or later, according to a Trump administration official. The delay stems from ongoing supply chain disruptions and evolving project requirements, Boeing has stated.
A long-awaited replacement
Initially contracted in 2018 under a $3.9 billion deal, Boeing was tasked with producing two heavily modified 747-8 aircraft to serve as the next Air Force One fleet. Originally scheduled for delivery by December 2024, subsequent setbacks pushed the timeline to 2027 or 2028. The latest delay extends the wait even further.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung criticized the prolonged timeline, calling it “ridiculous” and confirming that former President Donald Trump is actively seeking ways to expedite the project.
Challenges in production
Boeing has attributed the delays to multiple factors, including supply chain disruptions, inflation, and workforce shortages. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) had previously warned in 2022 that the project faced risks due to a tight labor market for mechanics, slow security clearance approvals, and the necessity for Boeing to replace a key interior supplier.
Ted Colbert, former head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, acknowledged the difficulties last July. “Our team is fighting through a very, very challenging program – two very complex airplanes,” Colbert said. Boeing has reportedly lost over $2 billion on the Air Force One program amid these ongoing complications.
Security concerns and modifications
The new Air Force One jets are designed to function as an airborne White House, equipped to operate during extreme security threats such as nuclear war. The planes will feature military-grade avionics, advanced communication systems, and self-defense mechanisms.
Boeing and the Department of Defense also faced scrutiny in 2023 over security clearance lapses. Approximately 250 Boeing employees working on the project had expired “Yankee White” security clearances for months or even years before the issue was identified. Although nearly all affected employees have since regained their Top Secret clearances, the incident raised concerns about oversight in handling one of the nation’s most sensitive aircraft.
A shift in design choices
In addition to production delays, the Biden administration made a notable change to the aircraft’s aesthetic. In 2023, President Biden opted to maintain the traditional white and blue color scheme, first introduced under President John F. Kennedy. This decision overturned former President Trump’s proposed red, white, and blue design.
Despite Boeing’s assurances that security clearance issues did not impact the delivery schedule, the continued delays raise further questions about the project’s management. As Boeing and the U.S. Air Force work through these challenges, the new Air Force One remains years away from taking flight.
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