(DailyChive.com) – Former President Donald Trump’s frustration mounts as Boeing’s delays push new Air Force One delivery to 2029.
At a Glance
- Trump ordered two new Air Force One planes in 2018, originally set for 2024 delivery
- Boeing faces $2 billion cost overrun and significant delays, pushing delivery to 2029
- Elon Musk brought in to oversee project efficiency and expedite delivery
- Trump desires to change plane colors to red, white, and dark blue
Trump’s Air Force One Dreams Grounded by Boeing Delays
Former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Boeing facilities in Palm Beach has brought renewed attention to the ongoing saga of the new Air Force One jets. The project, initiated under a $3.9 billion contract in 2018, aimed to replace the aging presidential aircraft fleet with two cutting-edge Boeing 747-8 planes. However, what was once a symbol of American technological prowess and presidential power has become a source of frustration for Trump and a financial burden for Boeing.
The delay in delivery is particularly vexing for Trump, who takes pride in his deal-making abilities and had personally negotiated the contract with Boeing. The former president claimed to have reduced the cost from $4.2 billion to $3.9 billion, a point of pride that now seems overshadowed by the project’s complications.
From Russian Airlines to American Skies
In an interesting twist, the two Boeing 747s destined to become Air Force One were originally built for a now-defunct Russian airline. This fact adds a layer of complexity to the retrofitting process, as Boeing must transform these commercial airliners into flying fortresses capable of withstanding electromagnetic pulses and featuring advanced communication systems.
“The delay is startling given that Boeing isn’t building the planes from scratch. During Trump’s first term, Boeing started to overhaul two 747s that were built for a Russian airline that never took the jets. Crews have been working in San Antonio on retrofitting the planes to meet exacting Pentagon standards so it can serve as a flying White House.” – The Wall Street Journal.
The challenge of this conversion has proven more daunting than anticipated, with Boeing struggling to meet the Pentagon’s exacting standards. Issues with wiring, interiors, and staffing with appropriately credentialed personnel have all contributed to the delays.
A Presidential Paint Job Controversy
Adding to the project’s complexity is Trump’s desire to change Air Force One’s iconic light blue and white color scheme to a bolder red, white, and dark blue palette. This proposed change, reminiscent of Trump’s private Boeing 757, has become a point of contention.
“The model was on the coffee table in the Oval Office and he pointed it out many times to foreign and domestic visitors. He thought it represented America more and represented strength, the red, white and blue.” – an aide.
However, the Biden administration has since reverted to the traditional design to avoid further delays and costs. This decision underscores the project’s sensitivity to changes and the ripple effects they can have on timelines and budgets.
Boeing’s Billion-Dollar Headache
For Boeing, the Air Force One project has become a financial albatross. The company is now $2 billion over budget, with the fixed-price contract requiring Boeing to absorb any cost overruns. This situation has led to some soul-searching within the company’s leadership.
“We take pride in this work. Our focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.” – Boeing.
Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has publicly stated that the company should not have agreed to the fixed-price terms, acknowledging the miscalculation in estimating the project’s complexity. The bankruptcy of a key subcontractor in 2021 further exacerbated the challenges, contributing to both delays and cost overruns.
Musk to the Rescue?
In an effort to salvage the project and accelerate its completion, Trump has brought in tech mogul Elon Musk to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk, known for his work with SpaceX and Tesla, is now collaborating with Boeing to expedite the delivery of the Air Force One replacements.
This move reflects Trump’s business-oriented approach to government projects and his frustration with the delays. It remains to be seen whether Musk’s involvement will significantly impact the project’s timeline or cost structure.
As Boeing grapples with this high-profile project, it also faces broader challenges, including restarting 737 Max production and considering the sale of its space division. The Air Force One delays serve as a microcosm of the larger issues facing the aerospace giant, highlighting the complexities of melding cutting-edge technology with stringent government requirements.
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