Summary
- Boeing faces an uphill battle in developing new Air Force One aircraft.
- Supply chain shortages, inflation, and tight labor market in 2022 have contributed to project delays.
- The new fleet will feature modern enhancements for safety, security, mission capability, and worst-case scenarios.
American plane manufacturer Boeing is speaking out about its uphill battle in the development of the next generation of US presidential transport aircraft. The company is working on a pair of highly modified 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft that will be affectionately referred to as Air Force One whenever the President is onboard.
Amid its challenges, Boeing has reportedly lost a couple billion dollars on the project, given that the specific alterations to the planes are “very complex.” Despite its setbacks, the manufacturer says it is “fighting through.”
“A ton of investment”
Ted Colbert, Boeing’s Executive Vice President and President and CEO of the company’s Defense, Space & Security division, disclosed the current status of the program on Sunday, according to Reuters. The planemaker is reportedly dealing with a multitude of issues that have stunted its progress. Supply chain shortages, inflation, and the workforce are among the challenges. A tight labor market in 2022 also contributed to the challenges.
Photo: US Air Force
Boeing has lost more than $2 billion on the program, according to Reuters. In 2018, it was granted a $3.9 billion contract to fund the special modifications to the 747-8s. The planes were projected to be delivered by December of this year, but they are now delayed another two years to 2026.
Colbert spoke to Reuters about the investments in the program.
“Our team is fighting through a very, very challenging program – two very complex airplanes,” Colbert said. “We’ve done a ton of investment in our workforce and training, efficiency, work on the factory floor.”
A slew of modifications
The two current Air Force One aircraft are modified 747-200B jets, also known as the VC-25A fleet. The incoming 747-8Is will be slightly larger and will be classified by the US Air Force (USAF) as the VC-25B fleet. The aircraft will undoubtedly provide the government with a slew of benefits and enhancements compared to the aged 747-200 models. The 747-8 is the newest and last variant of the 747 family. It features increased fuel efficiency and boasts lower operating costs.
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Similar to the current fleet, the VC-25Bs must be specifically customized to provide the President, staff, and guests with a safe and reliable flying experience. The planes must also be equipped with communications capability and security equivalent to the level available in the White House.
Photo: Karolis Kavolelis | Shutterstock
Other modifications will include electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities. Essentially, the aircraft will be designed to operate in worst-case scenarios, such as a nuclear threat.
Modernizing the 21st century
The VC-25Bs will also don a new, but similar livery to the current VC25A paint scheme. The original concept art for the new aircraft was a red, white, and blue livery – suggested by former President Trump. However, the Biden administration reversed the plans to feature a design reminiscent of the predecessor fleet. At the same time, the USAF believes the new look will also modernize the 21st century.
The VC-25As are in dire need of replacements as they have been carrying Presidents for the last three decades. At such an old age, the aircraft currently face capability gaps, rising maintenance costs, and some parts becoming obsolete.
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