Boeing Delays Air Force One Jets to 2027 Due to Security and Production Challenges
Boeing has proposed a 2027 delivery for the next-generation Air Force One, three years later than the original 2024 deadline under a $3.9 billion contract. Delays are due to wiring design issues and workforce shortages. The U.S. government has temporarily relaxed security requirements at Boeing’s facility to improve production efficiency. An interim solution involves modifying a Boeing 747 from L3Harris to serve as Air Force One by fall 2025. The Air Force and Boeing are working to finalize a feasible delivery schedule, with the revised timeline still under review.
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05/08 05:02
Boeing Delays Air Force One Jets to 2027 Due to Security and Production Challenges
Boeing has proposed a 2027 delivery for the next-generation Air Force One, three years later than the original 2024 deadline under a $3.9 billion contract. Delays are due to wiring design issues and workforce shortages. The U.S. government has temporarily relaxed security requirements at Boeing’s facility to improve production efficiency. An interim solution involves modifying a Boeing 747 from L3Harris to serve as Air Force One by fall 2025. The Air Force and Boeing are working to finalize a feasible delivery schedule, with the revised timeline still under review.
Boeing’s Revised Timeline and Contractual Background
The Air Force One modernization program, formally known as the VC-25B program, involves the conversion of two Boeing 747-8 aircraft into highly customized presidential transport planes. The $3.9 billion fixed-price contract was negotiated during President Donald Trump’s first term and originally called for delivery in 2024.
However, Boeing has now proposed a new delivery target of 2027. Darlene Costello, the acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics, confirmed the updated timeline during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on May 7, 2025. “We are looking at the requirements that are being potentially traded off to get to that date, and so I would not necessarily guarantee that date,” Costello stated, emphasizing that the Air Force is still evaluating the proposed adjustments with the White House to ensure the aircraft meets essential capability standards.
Production Challenges and Security Adjustments
The delay in the VC-25B program has been attributed to several logistical and technical hurdles. These include issues with the aircraft’s wiring design, supply chain complications, and workforce shortages. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged these challenges in a recent earnings call, noting that the company is working closely with the Air Force to revise the program plan while maintaining safety and quality standards.
In a bid to improve production efficiency, the U.S. government has temporarily lifted certain security requirements at Boeing’s production facility. According to Costello, this measure has allowed Boeing to be more “efficient and productive” in assembling the aircraft. While the specific security protocols that were relaxed have not been disclosed, the move reflects a strategic trade-off aimed at expediting the manufacturing process without compromising core safety or operational standards.
Interim Solution: Modified 747 from L3Harris
To bridge the gap caused by the delay, the government has contracted L3Harris Technologies to retrofit a Boeing 747 previously used by the Qatari government. This aircraft is being modified to serve as an interim Air Force One and is expected to be operational as early as fall 2025. The modifications include upgrades to communications and security systems to meet presidential transport requirements.
The decision to pursue an interim solution underscores the urgency of maintaining uninterrupted executive airlift capabilities, especially as the current Air Force One fleet—comprising two aging VC-25A aircraft based on the Boeing 747-200 platform—approaches the end of its operational lifespan. These aircraft, in service since 1990, require increasing levels of maintenance and are becoming more costly to operate.
Political Context and Stakeholder Involvement
The Air Force One program has remained a high-profile initiative, particularly under the scrutiny of former President Trump, who has expressed frustration over the delays. In mid-February 2025, Trump publicly criticized Boeing for the program’s setbacks but ruled out switching to European rival Airbus. Boeing CEO Ortberg later noted that Elon Musk, serving as an adviser to Trump, has been assisting the company in navigating the delivery process.
Despite the political pressure, Air Force officials have reiterated that the revised 2027 timeline is still under review and contingent on the resolution of remaining technical and logistical issues. Costello emphasized that once these issues are addressed, the Air Force will be in a better position to provide a more definitive delivery schedule.
Program Outlook and Next Steps
While Boeing’s proposed 2027 delivery date represents a significant delay from the original schedule, it also reflects a more realistic assessment of the program’s current status. The temporary relaxation of security requirements has provided a short-term boost to production efficiency, but long-term success will depend on resolving outstanding technical challenges and aligning all stakeholders on acceptable trade-offs in aircraft capabilities.
The Air Force continues to work closely with Boeing and other government partners to ensure that the final product meets the stringent requirements expected of the presidential aircraft. Until then, the modified interim aircraft from L3Harris will serve as a stopgap measure to ensure continuity in executive transport.
