A U.S. Air Force official reported that Boeing is now targeting 2027 to deliver two specially built and outfitted 747-8 jumbo jets to serve as Air Force One. According to the $3.9-billion contract the Pentagon issued to Boeing in 2018, the two new aircraft were due to be delivered in 2024.
Testifying to a House Armed Services subcommittee hearing, USAF acting acquisitions chief Darlene Costello could not guarantee the 2027 delivery, but she indicated that the Air Force and Boeing were working to finalize an acceptable date.
“We are looking at the requirements that are being potentially traded off to get to that date,” according to Costello.
The Air Force One project has been delayed by several factors, including the wiring design, Boeing’s workforce issues, and other complications with system suppliers.
“We continue to work with the customer to revise the program plan to allow for an earlier first delivery while maintaining our focus on safety and quality,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said in an earnings call last month.
The delay is a contentious issue with the White House, which currently relies on 747s that are more than 40 years old and have significant maintenance and upkeep requirements. Boeing no longer takes orders for 747 commercial aircraft (it continues to offer them as cargo jets) but it was pleased to win the Air Force One order during the first term of President Trump. The new Air Force One will be improved with advanced security and performances standards, and modern communications equipment, as suitable to function as a traveling White House.
Trump reportedly is irritated with Boeing over the delay, and is said to be planning to lease a former Qatari government 747 and contract high-tech firm L3 Harris to bring the aircraft communications and security systems up to date.
