President Donald Trump expressed frustration Wednesday over Boeing’s delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft, revealing he’s considering purchasing and converting used Boeing planes as an alternative.
“I’m not happy with Boeing. It takes them a long time to do, you know, Air Force One,” Trump told reporters aboard the current presidential aircraft. “We gave that contract out a long time ago as a fixed price contract, and I’m not happy with the fact that it’s taking so long, and we may do something else.”
The $3.9 billion contract, originally awarded in 2018, originally called for delivery of two modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft by December 2024.
Delivery dates have now been delayed by over five years to 2029 or later, according to Trump administration officials, extending well beyond Trump’s term.
“It is ridiculous that the delivery of a new Air Force One airplane has been delayed for such a long time,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said. “President Trump is working on identifying ways to speed up the delivery of a new plane, which has been needed for a while.”
Trump toured a 13-year-old Boeing 747-800 previously owned by the Qatari royal family at Palm Beach International Airport, exploring alternatives to the delayed program.
“I would not consider Airbus over Boeing,” Trump said. “But I could buy one that was used and convert it. I could buy one from another country perhaps, or get one from another country.”
The current presidential fleet consists of two nearly 35-year-old Boeing 747-200 aircraft. The new planes require extensive modifications including classified communications equipment, survivability enhancements, and self-contained air-stairs. Trump has already dropped the requirement for air-to-air refueling capability, originally designed during the Cold War.
Ted Colbert, former head of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, cited supply chain issues, inflation, workforce challenges, and other excuses for the five year delay in building the heavily modified aircraft, designed to serve as an airborne White House capable of operating in worst-case security scenarios including nuclear war.
“There’s no excuse for it,” Trump added regarding the delays. The White House confirmed it is actively exploring alternatives to expedite the replacement of the aging presidential aircraft fleet.
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