President Donald Trump has expressed significant dissatisfaction with Boeing due to extensive delays in the delivery of the new Air Force One aircraft. Originally scheduled for 2024, the handover of the two specially modified Boeing 747-8 planes has now been postponed to at least 2027, with potential further delays pushing it to 2029 or beyond. These setbacks have prompted the President to explore alternative solutions, including the acquisition of used aircraft.
Speaking to reporters aboard the current Air Force One on 19 February 2025, President Trump stated, “I’m not happy with the fact that it’s taking so long, and we may do something else.” He further suggested the possibility of purchasing a plane, potentially a used one, to serve as the presidential aircraft.
The delays have been attributed to various factors, including manufacturing challenges, evolving security requirements, and supply chain disruptions. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, acknowledged the President’s frustration, noting, “I think he’s made that well-known,” as reported by Reuters. Ortberg also mentioned that Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is assisting Boeing in expediting the project.
In an effort to address the delays, President Trump has considered inspecting alternative aircraft, including a luxury Boeing 747 previously owned by Qatar’s royal family. This move underscores his commitment to ensuring the timely replacement of the aging presidential fleet. Additionally, Trump’s dissatisfaction isn’t solely focused on the delays. He has also revisited discussions about the aircraft’s design, particularly the exterior color scheme, which was initially proposed during his first term but later scrapped due to cost concerns. With the project back under scrutiny, Trump’s original vision is once again being considered, as reported by The Times.
Beyond conventional options, Trump has also explored the potential of a supersonic aircraft for future presidential travel. He has reportedly met with Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, to discuss the Overture jet, a next-generation supersonic aircraft designed to fly at Mach 1.7. While no formal commitments have been made, Trump has expressed interest in the project as a potential long-term solution for Air Force One. The supersonic jet would drastically reduce travel time and could represent a leap forward in presidential air mobility.
Boeing’s financial challenges have compounded the situation, with the Air Force One project alone resulting in over $2 billion in overruns. The ongoing delays and cost overruns have led to increased scrutiny from both the government and the public. As the situation develops, the administration continues to explore all viable options to ensure the President has a reliable and timely mode of air transportation.
