Boeing Warns New Air Force One Deliveries Could Face More Delays

Boeing has made progress on its long-delayed replacement aircraft for the US president, but the project remains at risk of further delays, according to a US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Boeing's replacement Air Force One aircraft remain years behind schedule despite recent engineering progress. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

The two specially modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft, designated VC-25B, are currently scheduled for delivery in mid-2028 and mid-2029, several years behind the original target of late 2024.

The GAO said Boeing had completed engineering work on the aircraft's environmental control system and hired additional qualified mechanics, helping reduce some schedule risks.

However, challenges remain, including completing detailed cabin designs, manufacturing wiring systems, and correcting structural modifications.

The contract for the aircraft was signed in 2018 during President Donald Trump's first term.

The aircraft returned to public attention after Trump reportedly took his first flight aboard a Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar and modified for presidential use.