Boeing Loses Over 2 Billion From New Air Force One

Boeing continues to face challenges surrounding its upcoming project to build the future presidential transporter, Air Force One.

Thanks to a multitude of reasons, this project has incurred substantial costs and significant delivery delays.

Boeing has published updates on this project several times, the latest of which paints a bleak picture of the difficulties.

The contract to build these new Air Force One jets was awarded before the turn of the decade in 2018 and was valued at nearly USD 4 billion.

As part of the programme, two highly modified 747-8 jets would be delivered to US Air Force One and capable of carrying the President of the United States.

Initially, expectations outlined a delivery timeframe of 2024, this year. However, thanks to Boeing’s complex situation since 2018 and the programme’s difficulties, it’s become apparent that this isn’t attainable, and delivery has been delayed until the end of the decade.

The planemaker says that it’s not just facing workforce challenges in building the two Air Force One jets but also concerns related to the supply chain and inflation, which has seen costs balloon.

Boeing has made it clear that its losses are already over USD 2 billion for the programme, with the head of Boeing’s Defence, space, and security division citing this less-than-ideal nature.

Despite these losses, the manufacturer is committed to the program and has stated that it has invested many resources and funds to streamline the operation.

Boeing’s commitment to deliver the new Air Force One jets comes with the promise that the aircraft will feature the latest safety technology.

After all, this aircraft will need to be capable of carrying the President of the United States and delegates and thus have some of the highest tech aboard. This tech will be essential to ensure the safety of those aboard and fend off any prospective threats that are received.