Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with Boeing over delays in the production of two new Air Force One planes, stating that the aerospace company is taking too long to deliver the aircraft.
Speaking aboard one of the 35-year-old presidential planes still in use, Trump suggested he might seek alternative solutions due to the delays. The contract for the new planes, based on the Boeing 747-8, was originally negotiated during his first term.
Trump emphasized his dissatisfaction, saying, “No, I’m not happy with Boeing. It takes them a long time to do, you know, Air Force One, we gave that contract out a long time ago.” He also mentioned the possibility of acquiring a used aircraft and converting it for presidential use.
Despite considering alternatives, Trump ruled out purchasing from Airbus, Boeing’s European competitor. However, his visit to a 13-year-old Boeing 747-800 previously owned by the Qatari royal family at Palm Beach International Airport has fueled speculation about potential backup options.
The new Air Force One aircraft were originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, but Boeing has pushed the timeline back to 2027 or 2028.
During his first presidency, Trump pressured Boeing to renegotiate the Air Force One contract, criticizing its initial cost as excessive. The revised deal has cost Boeing billions, as equipping the planes with top-secret communications, security, and accessibility features significantly increases expenses.
Boeing has faced multiple financial and operational challenges in recent years. The company reported a staggering $11.8 billion loss in 2024, its worst financial performance since the 2020 pandemic. In the last quarter of the year alone, it posted a $3.8 billion loss, impacted by both commercial aircraft issues and setbacks in its defense programs.
