The head of Boeing’s defense unit stated that the planemaker is still “working through challenges” in constructing two delayed U.S. presidential aircraft known as Air Force One.
Boeing was awarded a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 to manufacture two 747-8 aircraft intended for use as Air Force One. Originally scheduled for delivery by December 2024, the delivery timeline has been pushed back to at least 2027 and 2028.
Ted Colbert, the leader of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, acknowledged that Boeing is encountering various challenges such as supply chain issues, inflation, and workforce concerns in the process of constructing the airplanes. Boeing is currently undertaking significant modifications on two 747s for this project.
Colbert said, “Our team is fighting through a very, very challenging program – two very complex airplanes. We’ve done a ton of investment in our workforce and training, efficiency, work on the factory floor.”
The Boeing 747-8s are crafted to serve as a flying White House capable of operating in extreme security situations, including during nuclear war. They are equipped with military-grade avionics, advanced communication systems, and a self-defense mechanism. The previous year, the Biden administration chose to maintain and modify the Air Force One paint scheme, which closely mirrors the current design featuring white combined with two shades of blue. This decision marked a reversal of the stance taken by former President Donald Trump.
In December 2016, Donald Trump secured a commitment from then-Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg that the cost of replacing Air Force One would not surpass $4 billion. Boeing’s current CEO, Dave Calhoun, subsequently acknowledged criticism that the contract had been underestimated.
By 2022, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) raised concerns about potential delays in the Air Force One program. They pointed to challenges including a constrained labor market for mechanics, lower-than-anticipated rates of security clearances, and Boeing’s necessity to transition to an alternative supplier for certain interior work.