Expedited Delivery of Modified Air Force One Planes
Accelerated Air Force One Delivery Considered by Trump amid Possible Qatari Gift to Boeing
The Air Force is working to accelerate the delivery of two Boeing 747-8 jets being transformed into presidential transport aircraft, possibly ahead of President Donald Trump's term. The delay in the initial delivery schedule, reportedly causing frustration from the President, has prompted discussions to change the project requirements and ensure quicker delivery[1].
According to a hearing on Wednesday, Darlene Costello, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, revealed that Boeing's latest estimate places the delivery of the Air Force One replacements in 2027, an improvement from initial projections of 2028 or 2029 but still behind the 2024 target[5].
The potential for an earlier delivery depends on adjustments to the project's requirements, which Costello stated the Air Force is working closely with the White House to address[5].
"While I cannot guarantee the 2027 date, Boeing is proposing to bring it forward if we can reach an agreement on the requirements changes," Costello explained. "We are presently addressing a few remaining issues, and we hope to resolve them in the near future, which will give us a better understanding of the revised schedule[5]."
Boeing has not officially announced any changes to the $3.9 billion fixed-price contract signed during Trump's first term, having already incurred over $2.5 billion in losses on the project[5].
Interim Solution Under Consideration
In light of the delays, President Trump is contemplating accepting a Boeing 747-8 gifted by the royal family of Qatar for temporary use as an interim Air Force One. This aircraft, described as a luxurious "palace in the sky," would undergo modifications by defense contractor L3Harris.
Trump stated that the aircraft would be a "contribution to our defense department to utilize during a couple of years while [Boeing] is constructing the others[2]." If accepted, the aircraft would become property of Trump's presidential library foundation shortly before he leaves office[2].
The proposed interim Air Force One represents one of the largest gifts ever given to a sitting U.S. President by a foreign power, raising concerns from observers, including allegations that it violates the constitution's Emoluments Clause, which bars gifts from foreign governments without Congress' approval[2].
White House officials are reportedly drafting a legal justification for acquiring the $400 million aircraft. Trump has defended the acquisition as a "very public and transparent transaction[2]."
The Long History of Presidential Transport Aircraft
Presidential transport aircraft have undergone numerous changes since 1943, with each president introducing improvements and modifications[4]. The forthcoming VC-25Bs will offer upgraded range, speed, payload, and interior features, making the aircraft easier to maintain[4].
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to use an airplane for transport, flying a Boeing 314 Clipper. Harry S Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower utilized both modified C-54 Skymaster and C-118 Liftmaster aircraft, while the first Air Force One carried four propeller-driven aircraft after Eisenhower[4].
By the end of Eisenhower's second term, presidential transport began moving into the jet age with the acquisition of three Boeing 707s in 1959. These aircraft formed the basis for a series of VC-137Cs[4].
The current VC-25A jets, first flying in 1990, are now over three decades old and in need of another upgrade. The upcoming VC-25Bs will replace them, boasting improved performance and features[4].
Continued Delay Concerns and Potential Solutions
Trump's frustration with the delayed delivery of the VC-25Bs has resulted in high-level interventions, including meetings with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to accelerate the process and direct meetings with Boeing CEO David Calhoun in the Oval Office in April[3].
The Air Force has already addressed some unspecified issues on the program, with Costello confirming active efforts to improve production and design completion[3]. In addition, the Air Force has eased certain security clearance requirements to enable more efficient production[3].
While Trump has considered accepting the Qatari 747-8 as an interim Air Force One, the feasibility and timeline for the conversion of the aircraft are yet to be determined[2].
References:[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/air-force-one-presidential-aircraft-2021-5[2] https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-mulls-qatari-plane-interim-air-force-one-source-2021-07-29/[3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/07/27/season-frustration-over-air-force-one-presidents-explanation-delays/[4] https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/27/air-force-one-a-history-of-presidential-airplanes/[5] https://www.congressionaltestimony.com/document/20210728/us-air-force-acquisition-regarding-air-force-one-program/[Edited by Reagan Reese]
- The Air Force is looking to expedite the delivery of the Boeing 747-8 jets being converted into Air Force One aircraft, potentially before President Donald Trump's term ends.
- Darlene Costello, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, revealed that Boeing's latest estimate places the delivery of the Air Force One replacements in 2027, an improvement from initial projections but still behind the 2024 target.
- The potential for an earlier delivery depends on adjustments to the project's requirements, which the Air Force is collaborating with the White House to address.
- Boeing is proposing to bring the delivery forward if they can reach an agreement on the requirements changes, but has not officially announced any changes to the fixed-price contract.
- President Trump is contemplating accepting a Boeing 747-8 gifted by the royal family of Qatar for temporary use as an interim Air Force One, which would undergo modifications by defense contractor L3Harris.
- The aerospace industry, finance, and politics are closely following the ongoing discussions about the delivery schedule and interim solutions for Air Force One, with concerns about policy-and-legislation and general-news arising from the proposed interim Air Force One.
- The business of real-estate, including the potential sale or transfer of the interim Air Force One, is also being considered, with White House officials reportedly drafting a legal justification for acquiring the aircraft that may involve the presidential library foundation.
