The United States Air Force (MC, Washington National) said the delivery of the first of two new modified B747-8(VC-25B)s from Boeing have been delayed at least one more year to mid-2028, in the latest setback to the program.
Reuters reported that the cost for Boeing to build the two new VIP aircraft, known as Air Force One when the US president is on board, is over USD5 billion. In a statement, the manufacturer said its “focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One aeroplanes for the country.” Boeing has posted USD2.4 billion in charges against earnings from the project, which is currently four years behind schedule, much to the displeasure of President Donald Trump.
The two B747-200(VC-25A)s currently in active service were introduced in August 1990. Trump has urged Boeing to deliver the new Air Force One jets before his second term finishes in early 2029. In parallel, this year, the United States accepted a VIP-configured B747-8(BBJ) donated by Qatar, and reportedly tasked L3Harris Technologies to refurbish and retrofit it to be deployed as presidential transport from 2026, with estimated costs at around USD400 million.
The new delay comes after the Air Force awarded another USD15.5 million for the program, in a new contract that covers an expansion of communication capabilities for both the VC-25Bs.
In a statement to Aviation Week, the Air Force said the new capabilities will allow the jets “to keep pace with mission requirements that have evolved since the program baseline was established. This modification can be accomplished within the current program schedule, with the projected delivery date for the first VC-25B aircraft in mid-2028.”
