Delivery of the new US presidential aircraft, Air Force One, delayed until 2028
The US presidential fleet modernization program is facing new obstacles, with an official announcement of a further delay in the delivery of the new presidential aircraft, known as Air Force One. According to the latest updates, the first version of the aircraft will not enter active service before mid-2028, a full year later than the previously agreed-upon deadline.
New contract details and schedule
A US Air Force spokesperson confirmed to AFP that the armed forces signed a $15.5 million contract on December 12, 2025, to amend the existing agreement with Boeing for the VC-25B program. This amendment incorporates changes to the schedule, confirming that the first aircraft will not be ready for delivery before mid-2028, whereas the previous schedule stipulated the first aircraft would be operational in 2027 and the second in 2028.
Boeing's challenges and fixed contract losses
This delay is the latest in a series of setbacks for Boeing. The crisis stems from a $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018 to deliver two specially modified 747-8 aircraft for the presidential use. Because the contract was fixed-price, the company incurred significant financial losses exceeding $2 billion on this program due to rising costs, supply chain problems, and the complex engineering modifications required to transform a commercial airliner into a flying fortress.
Trump's anger and the temporary Qatari alternative
This ongoing delay has frustrated the US administration, with President Donald Trump expressing his impatience last February and announcing that he was looking for “alternatives.” In a significant development, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted a Boeing 747 aircraft donated by Qatar for temporary use. Valued at approximately $400 million, the aircraft was accepted despite domestic political criticism as a temporary solution to bridge the gap until the arrival of new aircraft.
The importance of Air Force One and the urgent need for modernization
The U.S. presidential aircraft is more than just a means of transportation; it is a symbol of American power and a mobile command center, often referred to as the "Flying White House." The current aircraft, which entered service in 1990 during the presidency of George H.W. Bush, is based on the aging 747-200 airframe and suffers from outdated systems and significantly increased maintenance costs.
The importance of the new aircraft (VC-25B) lies in equipping them with the latest military technologies, including advanced encrypted communication systems that ensure the president remains in constant contact with the world and with nuclear command centers in any circumstance, in addition to anti-missile defense systems, medical equipment including a complete operating room, and the ability to refuel in the air to remain in the sky for unlimited periods in extreme emergencies.
