Air Force One is the plane that carries the president of the United States. Right now, the U.S. has two modified Boeing 747 aircraft. These planes are over 30 years old. Boeing has the contract to build new planes, but the project has faced delays. The new planes are still years away from delivery.
President Donald Trump recently visited a Boeing aircraft. He wanted to check out the plane’s new technology. At the same time, he drew attention to Boeing’s failure to deliver the new Air Force One. This visit took place at Palm Beach International Airport. Trump’s tour highlighted Boeing’s progress and the challenges they are facing with the Air Force One project.
Trump’s Inspection and Boeing’s Delays
Trump visited a private Boeing plane that was 13 years old. The visit reminded people that Boeing has failed to meet the deadlines for the new Air Force One planes. A statement from the White House said that Trump’s visit was to evaluate Boeing’s new hardware and technology. But it also pointed out the company’s delays.
Trump has been clear about his frustration with Boeing’s handling of the Air Force One business contract. The current planes have been modified, but they are aging. The new planes were first set to be delivered in 2024. Now, the first plane will arrive in 2027. The second plane is set for 2028, which is at the end of Trump’s presidency.
Criticism of High Costs and Missed Deadlines
Trump has often criticized the rising costs of the project and the missed deadlines. One of his main issues is the price of the new Air Force One planes. He believes the original contract was too expensive and unnecessary. During his first term, he worked to reduce the cost.
Trump has also talked about saving over $1 billion (€950 million) on the project. He claims he cut the cost by negotiating harder. In 2024, he spoke with Elon Musk about the savings. Trump said that after months of pressure, he got the price cut by $1.6 billion (€1.5 billion).
Trump added that the changes mainly led to a “nicer paint job.” This didn’t help ease his frustration about the ongoing delays and costs. The new planes still have a long way to go before delivery.
Elon Musk’s Role in the Project
Elon Musk, a major supporter of Trump’s 2024 campaign, now leads the Department of Government Efficiency. This department aims to reduce government spending. Musk has faced some criticism, but he is working with Boeing to speed up the production of Air Force One.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed last month that Musk is helping to move the project along. Musk’s involvement has raised hope that the delays could end soon. However, as of now, there is no clear timeline for when the planes will be delivered.
Color Scheme Controversy
In addition to the delays and rising costs, Trump has also suggested a change to Air Force One’s color scheme. He wants to change it from light blue to a darker blue. However, President Joe Biden’s administration has stopped this change. Studies showed that it would need more testing, which would add even more delays.
The color change is not likely to happen soon, as Biden reversed Trump’s plan. The debate about the plane’s look adds to the ongoing problems with the project. The focus remains on meeting the deadlines for delivery and controlling costs.
Air Force One is still years away from being replaced. The project has faced delays, rising costs, and disagreements. Boeing has had years to work on it, but the first plane will not arrive until 2027. The second plane will arrive in 2028, right at the end of Trump’s presidency.
Trump continues to inspect Boeing planes and criticize the delays. But the new Air Force One is still far from ready. The project has already cost taxpayers billions. Now, the public and the president will have to wait longer than expected for a new Air Force One.
For more news updates, visit Euro News 24.
