Boeing's Air Force One Delays Extend to 2029 Amid Supply Chain Issues

The delivery of the new Air Force One aircraft, designated VC-25B, has been pushed back to potentially 2029 or later due to ongoing supply chain issues and design modifications, which have already caused Boeing to exceed its budget by over $2 billion. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2024, the timeline has been complicated further by labor shortages and technical challenges. White House officials, including communications director Steven Cheung, have expressed frustration with the delays, emphasizing that President Trump is exploring ways to expedite the process. Boeing has acknowledged the difficulties affecting not only Air Force One but its broader production lines, impacting the global aircraft leasing industry. Discussions between Boeing and Elon Musk have been initiated to potentially accelerate the project, but uncertainty remains. The delays raise concerns that Trump may not be able to use the new aircraft during his presidency, as the initial delivery of the first plane is now expected to coincide with his final year in office.