WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump recently toured a Boeing aircraft to evaluate its latest features and address the delays in the delivery of updated Air Force One models, as confirmed by the White House.
Trump inspected the aging private plane, which has been stationed at Palm Beach International Airport for 13 years.
“The president is examining new technology in a Boeing plane,” a White House representative stated. “This visit underscores the ongoing failure to deliver a new Air Force One on schedule.”
Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, has two versions in use, both over 30 years old. Boeing holds the contract to produce the new aircraft, but significant financial losses have resulted in postponements.
Originally set for delivery in 2024, the timeline has now shifted to 2027 for the first plane and 2028 for the second, coinciding with Trump’s final year in office, according to the U.S. Air Force.
Trump has openly criticized both the costs and the delays associated with the project. During a recent discussion with a prominent tech entrepreneur, he revealed that he managed to cut costs by more than $1 billion through negotiations with Boeing during his first term.
“In about four weeks of negotiations, I managed to lower the price by $1.6 billion for the same plane, aside from a nicer paint job,” Trump commented.
The tech entrepreneur involved has also supported Trump’s 2024 campaign and is spearheading an initiative aimed at streamlining government expenditures.
Boeing’s CEO recently acknowledged that efforts are underway to expedite the production of the Air Force One replacements.
Additionally, Trump has expressed a desire to change Air Force One’s color scheme from its traditional light blue to a darker hue. An earlier proposal to modify the colors was halted by the current administration after findings indicated it would necessitate more testing and further delays, increasing overall costs.
