President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Boeing over significant delays in delivering two new Air Force One aircraft, originally slated for 2024 but now postponed to 2027 and 2028. In response, Trump is exploring alternative solutions, including the acquisition of used Boeing planes for presidential use. He recently toured a 12-year-old Boeing 747-8, formerly owned by the Qatari royal family, to assess its suitability.

Trump has ruled out purchasing aircraft from Airbus, emphasizing a preference for domestic or other Boeing options. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, acknowledged the delays and financial challenges, citing supply chain issues and fixed-price contract losses exceeding $2 billion. To expedite the process, Elon Musk is assisting Boeing in addressing these delays.

Despite these efforts, White House officials warn that the new aircraft may not be operational until 2029 or later. The current Air Force One planes, over three decades old, face rising maintenance costs and obsolescence issues, intensifying the urgency for a timely replacement.