Boeing Appoints Ex-Northrop Executive to Lead Air Force One Program

Boeing has appointed Steve Sullivan, a former Northrop Grumman executive known for leading the B-21 bomber program, to lead its troubled Air Force One VC-25B program. This leadership change aims to address ongoing delays and cost overruns in the project, which involves converting two Boeing 747-8 aircraft into advanced presidential jets serving as flying command centers. The program, initially contracted for $3.9 billion under President Donald Trump's administration, faces delivery delays now expected no earlier than 2027 due to design changes, supply chain issues, and complex security upgrades. Sullivan replaces Greg Coffey, who led the program for less than a year and will transition to supporting the Air Force's T-7A training jet development. Boeing executives expressed confidence that Sullivan's strategic leadership and problem-solving skills will help navigate the program through its technical and managerial challenges. Despite these issues, Boeing's broader business outlook remains positive, with analysts rating the company as an outperform stock.