In Donald Trump’s first presidential term, significant negotiations took place regarding a new Air Force One, leading to the renegotiation of a deal with Boeing for the construction of two new jets. Despite production delays and various challenges associated with the project, Trump’s re-election in 2024 means he is likely to witness the completion of the Next Air Force One, a stark upgrade from the current VC-25A models that have been in service for over three decades. The old jets, military adaptations of the Boeing 747-200, will soon be replaced by the Boeing 747-8, which promises to offer more advanced capabilities and modern amenities.
Upon being elected, Trump raised concerns about the escalating costs of the Air Force One program. During a meeting with Boeing’s then-CEO, Dennis Muilenburg, he threatened to cancel the contract if the expenses went beyond $4 billion. To mitigate costs and expedite production, Boeing pivoted its approach by repurposing two jets originally intended for a defunct Russian airline. This revision of the agreement culminated in a contract valued at $3.9 billion. Trump famously unveiled a special red, white, and blue design for the new planes, stating that his design choice was made for future presidents rather than himself, reflecting his anticipation for the project.
Initially, the delivery timeframe for the new Air Force One was set for 2024, suggesting that Trump could potentially fly on it during the latter part of his presidency if re-elected. However, project delays pushed the anticipated delivery back to 2027, creating doubts about whether Trump would ever board the new airplanes. The recent developments in the political landscape, particularly Trump’s return to the presidency, have reignited expectations surrounding the intended modernization of the presidential fleet, albeit amid ongoing complications that have plagued Boeing’s production efforts.
The design of the new Air Force One has changed from Trump’s original vision; President Joe Biden opted for a light-blue color palette reminiscent of previous presidential jets since the Kennedy era. This adaptation was driven by practical considerations, including a thermal study that revealed potential challenges related to the darker livery. The Air Force estimated that additional testing would be required due to the implications of heat in specific environments, thus adhering to precedents rather than Trump’s initial aesthetic preferences.
Financially, Boeing has encountered significant woes related to the Next Air Force One project. With losses reportedly exceeding $2 billion and various complications arising during production, Boeing’s past CEO characterized the venture as a set of risks that the company perhaps should have avoided. Unforeseen engineering changes incurred millions in additional charges, which has amplified ongoing concerns about the potential for even more losses. Reports of issues stemming from improper oversight and workforce challenges only compounded the difficulties faced by Boeing in its efforts to fulfill the contract.
The current Air Force One is known for its extraordinary capabilities, featuring 4,000 square feet of floor space, the ability to feed 100 passengers simultaneously, and onboard medical facilities equipped with a doctor. Designed to function as a mobile command center in times of crisis, it possesses unique features like mid-air refueling and advanced electronics resistant to electromagnetic pulse attacks. When completed, the Next Air Force One is slated to surpass its predecessor in both size and technological sophistication, setting a new standard for presidential air travel while promising to accommodate the extensive requirements of its high-profile occupants.
