U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with Boeing over delays in the production of two new Air Force One aircraft. The contract, originally negotiated during his first term in office, aimed to replace the aging fleet currently in use. However, Boeing has struggled to meet the delivery timeline, prompting Trump to consider alternative solutions.
Speaking aboard one of the 35-year-old presidential planes still in service, Trump criticized Boeing for its slow progress on the new aircraft. “No, I’m not happy with Boeing,” he stated. “It takes them a long time to do, you know, Air Force One. We gave that contract out a long time ago.”
Trump suggested that he might look for alternative aircraft, possibly purchasing a used plane and converting it for presidential use. While dismissing the possibility of switching to Boeing’s European competitor, Airbus, he did indicate an openness to acquiring a pre-owned aircraft and modifying it to meet the security and operational needs of Air Force One.
His remarks come shortly after he visited a 13-year-old Boeing 747-800 previously owned by the Qatari royal family. The aircraft was parked at Palm Beach International Airport, fueling speculation about potential alternatives to the delayed Boeing-built jets.
The contract for the new Air Force One aircraft was initially set to deliver the planes in 2024. However, Boeing has now postponed the delivery to 2027 or even 2028, significantly extending the timeline. The company has cited numerous challenges, including supply chain disruptions, technical modifications required for presidential aircraft, and internal production issues.
Trump had previously renegotiated the Air Force One contract with Boeing, arguing that the initial costs were excessive. This move reportedly saved taxpayers approximately $1.4 billion. However, the delays have raised concerns about Boeing’s ability to fulfill its obligations, particularly as the company faces broader financial and operational challenges.
Boeing has been grappling with a series of setbacks in both its commercial and defense sectors. The company recorded a staggering loss of $11.8 billion in 2024, marking its worst financial performance since the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the aviation industry.
The last quarter of 2024 was particularly challenging, with the aerospace giant reporting a $3.8 billion loss amid ongoing labor strikes and supply chain difficulties. In addition to its troubles with commercial aircraft production, Boeing has faced issues in its defense programs, further straining its financial position.
The ongoing delays with the Air Force One project highlight the difficulties Boeing has encountered in fulfilling government contracts. While Boeing remains the preferred supplier for presidential aircraft, Trump’s recent comments suggest that alternatives are being considered if the delays persist.
If Boeing continues to struggle, the possibility of modifying an existing aircraft could become a more viable option. However, converting a pre-owned plane into a secure presidential transport would still require extensive modifications, including advanced communication systems and security upgrades.
As Boeing works to recover from its financial struggles and meet its contractual obligations, the pressure to deliver on the Air Force One project remains high. With Trump’s public criticism adding to the scrutiny, the aerospace giant must find a way to address the delays and restore confidence in its ability to handle high-profile government contracts.
