Donald Trump's desired revamped Air Force One aircraft reportedly contains lead in the wings, significantly escalating the budget expenses.
Boeing's plans to replace Air Force One, the U.S. presidential aircraft, have hit a snag. President Donald Trump is now considering building an interim model instead, as reported by BFMTV. Back in 2015, the job was given to Boeing, but delays and cost overruns have led to a change of course.
"I'm not happy with Boeing," Trump proclaimed, seeking alternatives. The Wall Street Journal recently disclosed that the U.S. government has awarded a contract to L3Harris Technologies to refurbish a 747-8 from the Qatari royal family, making it into a presidential aircraft. Boeing, on the other hand, is expected to deliver around 2027-2028.
Trump's New RouteWhile Boeing is struggling with delays, L3Harris is working on converting an old Qatari 747-8 into a temporary Air Force One. This move aims to bypass Boeing's troubles and have a modernized, albeit less equipped, version of Air Force One ready by fall 2025. However, even a minimal conversion to meet basic military capabilities could take longer, potentially extending beyond 2028.
Cost Overruns and ChallengesThe original plan was for Boeing to retrofit two 747-8s to replace the VC-25As used for presidential transport, but the project could now cost over $6.5 billion—an increase of $2.5 billion from the initial $4 billion estimate. Boeing has been dealing with a series of incidents on its aircraft and a labor shortage, which have added to the project's delays.
Despite Trump's desire to begin using the interim aircraft this fall, the process remains complex due to the need to meet stringent norms and ensure the aircraft can withstand threats such as missile attacks, cyberattacks, or jamming attempts.
Elon Musk Lends a HandWhile the process remains challenging, Trump is taking action. He has visited the aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport, and reports suggest that Elon Musk is assisting in expediting Boeing's projects.
Regardless, the path to a new Air Force One is filled with hurdles, as Trump navigates the tricky waters of airline manufacturing and national security.
- Despite delays and cost overruns experienced by Boeing in the Air Force One project, L3Harris Technologies is ready to convert a 747-8 from the Qatari royal family into a temporary presidential aircraft, aiming for a ready-by-fall 2025 launch.
- In light of Boeing's struggles with meeting deadlines and escalating costs for the Air Force One contract, the U.S. government awarded a contract to L3Harris Technologies for the refurbishment of the 747-8, bypassing potential issues within Boeing's original plan.
- The presidential aircraft project, previously given to Boeing in 2015, has faced an increase in costs, now estimated to reach over $6.5 billion—an additional $2.5 billion compared to the initial $4 billion estimate.
- Beyond Boeing's endeavors, there are reports that Elon Musk is assisting in expediting the airline manufacturing giant's work on the future Air Force One, as Trump navigates complex challenges in the real estate of modern aircraft development and national security.
