Post by : Saif Rahman

The timeline for the new Air Force One jets, designated for presidential use, has encountered another delay, according to the U.S. Air Force's announcement on Friday. The first of the two Boeing-built aircraft is now scheduled for delivery in mid-2028, setting the program back by an additional year.

This delay could add to the frustration of President Trump, who aims to utilize the new aircraft before concluding his term in January 2029. With the updated delivery schedule, there is now a limited window for final testing and project completion before the end of his presidency.

The initiative involves transforming two Boeing 747-8 passenger planes into highly specialized jets for securing presidential air travel. These planes will be equipped with state-of-the-art communication, security, and defensive features to ensure the president can operate securely across the globe.

The existing Air Force One aircraft, operational since 1990, have been updated over the years; however, they are now considered outdated and require replacement to address contemporary security and technological standards.

Boeing won the contract for the new Air Force One jets in 2018, initially pegged at $3.9 billion. The costs have since escalated to over $5 billion, with the company incurring $2.4 billion in charges due to production issues and budget overruns.

Despite these challenges, Boeing maintains that it is making strides in the program and is dedicated to delivering the aircraft. The complexity of this project necessitates adherence to stringent military and government specifications.

As a stopgap solution, the U.S. government has accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar. Adjustments are being made to the aircraft to potentially serve as Air Force One, with modifications being overseen by L3Harris Technologies.

President Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with Boeing due to the continued delays but has ruled out the possibility of seeking alternatives from European manufacturers like Airbus. Boeing's management has indicated that Elon Musk, who advises Trump, has been involved in facilitating the delivery process.

In June, Boeing reinforced its project management by appointing Steve Sullivan to steer the Air Force One program. Sullivan, who has a background in significant defense projects at Northrop Grumman, succeeded Gregg Coffey, who transitioned to a different role within the company.

This latest setback underscores the complexities inherent in large-scale government aviation undertakings, where rigorous security demands and technical nuances frequently result in extended schedules and increased expenses. While the U.S. waits for these long-overdue aircraft, it will continue to depend on its existing Air Force One fleet.

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