Trump Weighs Alternative Air Force One as Boeing Faces Delays

19 Feb at 10:53 pm

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Trump Weighs Alternative Air Force One as Boeing Faces Delays \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Donald Trump is exploring buying a used Boeing aircraft—potentially from overseas—as an alternative to the delayed new Air Force One planes. The Boeing 747-8 models, originally scheduled for 2024, are now expected between 2027 and 2028, prompting Trump to seek other options. The modifications required for security and presidential travel have contributed to the delays and cost overruns.

Trump’s Air Force One Dilemma: Quick Looks

New Air Force One Delayed: Boeing’s specially modified presidential aircraft is now pushed to 2027-2028.
Trump Exploring Alternatives: Considering purchasing and modifying a used Boeing aircraft from another country.
Airbus Ruled Out: Trump said he would not buy an Airbus, preferring an American-made Boeing plane.
Modification Challenges: Security, communications, and defense systems have led to cost overruns and delays.
Boeing’s Financial Struggles: The aircraft maker has lost billions on the Air Force One contract.
Trump’s Hands-On Approach: Recently toured a 13-year-old Boeing 747-800, formerly owned by Qatar’s royal family.
Original Contract Negotiated by Trump: The current deal was brokered during his first term in office.

Deep Look

Trump Considers Used Boeing Aircraft as Air Force One Alternative

Amid ongoing delays in Boeing’s production of the next-generation Air Force One, President Donald Trump has revealed he is exploring alternative options, including purchasing a used Boeing aircraft from an overseas seller and modifying it for presidential use.

Speaking to reporters aboard the current Air Force One, a nearly 35-year-old Boeing 747-200, Trump voiced frustration over Boeing’s slow progress:

“We’re looking at alternatives because it’s taking Boeing too long.”

The new Air Force One fleet, officially designated VC-25B, was originally set for 2024 delivery, but the timeline has now slipped to 2027 for the first plane and 2028 for the second, according to the U.S. Air Force.

Trump’s Boeing-Only Policy

Trump made it clear that while he is open to purchasing a second-hand aircraft, he will not consider Airbus, Boeing’s European rival and the only other global supplier of wide-body jets.

“I would not consider Airbus. I could buy one from another country perhaps or get one from another country.”

This reflects Trump’s “America First” approach to aviation, as he has previously pushed for U.S.-made aircraft in government contracts.

Why Are the New Air Force One Planes Delayed?

Boeing was awarded the Air Force One contract in 2018 after a deal negotiated by Trump himself during his first term. The plan was to replace the aging VC-25A fleet with two customized Boeing 747-8 aircraft, incorporating state-of-the-art security, communications, and defense systems.

However, the delays and cost overruns have stemmed not from the planes themselves but from the extensive modifications required to make them suitable for presidential travel:

Top-Secret Communications: The aircraft must be equipped with classified communication systems to allow the president to command military operations from the air.
Survivability Enhancements: Special defenses to protect against electronic warfare, missile attacks, and other threats.
Self-Contained Air Stairs: Allowing the president to board and deplane without relying on external airport infrastructure.
Air-to-Air Refueling (Dropped by Trump): Originally, Air Force One was supposed to be capable of refueling mid-air, but Trump removed this requirement to cut costs.

These complex modifications have led to major production challenges, with Boeing suffering billions of dollars in losses on the contract.

Trump’s Hands-On Approach: Touring a Used Boeing 747-800

On Saturday, Trump toured a 13-year-old Boeing 747-800, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, at Palm Beach International Airport. The visit was part of his efforts to evaluate alternative aircraft that could potentially serve as Air Force One.

The New York Times first reported that Trump is seriously considering purchasing a used aircraft, which would then undergo modifications to meet the high-security standards of a presidential aircraft.

The Financial Side: Why Boeing Is Struggling

Boeing has faced significant financial strain on the Air Force One project, which has become one of its most costly government contracts. Several factors have contributed to the company’s financial difficulties:

Fixed-Price Contract: Boeing agreed to a $3.9 billion fixed-price deal, meaning the company must absorb all additional costs and overruns.
COVID-19 Delays: The pandemic caused supply chain disruptions, further slowing production.
Labor Shortages: Skilled workers needed for the highly specialized modifications have been in short supply.
Massive Losses: Boeing has lost billions on the Air Force One contract, making it one of the most unprofitable government deals in the company’s history.

Potential Political and Legal Hurdles

If Trump moves forward with purchasing and modifying a used aircraft, he may face legal and logistical obstacles:

Approval from the U.S. Air Force: Air Force One is a military-operated aircraft, and any changes to the presidential fleet must meet military and national security requirements.
Congressional Scrutiny: Lawmakers may challenge the decision, arguing that the U.S. government should stick with the original Boeing contract.
Security Concerns: A second-hand aircraft may lack critical security features, requiring significant retrofitting to meet presidential safety standards.

What’s Next?

Trump’s interest in a used aircraft signals growing frustration with Boeing’s delays, but it remains uncertain whether the Air Force and Pentagon will approve such a move.

If Boeing fails to deliver the first VC-25B aircraft by 2027, Trump could escalate efforts to find an alternative aircraft, potentially pushing for an expedited replacement plan.

For now, the next-generation Air Force One remains in limbo, but Trump’s hands-on approach suggests that the issue will remain a top priority for his administration.