A White House official has warned that Boeing’s Air Force One program could be delayed until 2029 or beyond due to supply chain issues and changing requirements. The remarks come after the weekend, when the White House expressed concerns over the program’s progress.
The delays are attributed to Boeing facing problems after component makers went out of business. The company had previously extracted a promise from then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg to cap the program’s cost at $4 billion, but these fixed-price contract terms have cost Boeing more than $2 billion.
The situation has raised concerns about President Trump’s renewed engagement with the program, which could signal further problems for Boeing. Analysts note that the company is meeting with billionaire Elon Musk to update the plane, a development that could exacerbate issues.
According to Reuters reporting by Andrea Shalal, Kanishka Singh, and Nandita Bose, the Air Force One project has faced numerous challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Capitol riots, and Brexit-related issues. The program’s complex nature and changing requirements have contributed to its delays.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-not-happy-with-boeing-over-air-force-one-planes-2025-02-20