Boeing’s project to supply two new Air Force One jets for the U.S. Air Force is encountering further delays, with delivery of the first aircraft now pushed to 2029 or potentially later, according to a source who spoke with Breaking Defense on the condition of anonymity.
The Air Force is still in the process of validating the updated schedule for Boeing’s delivery of the modified jumbo jets, indicating that the actual arrival date could extend beyond 2029. Boeing, acknowledging the challenges, stated, “It’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility, and we take pride in this work. Our focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.”
The contract, secured during the Trump administration, has faced significant obstacles, resulting in substantial losses exceeding $2 billion and lengthy delays. The jets’ first flight was previously scheduled for March 2026, marking an additional 16-month delay. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the new projected delivery timeline.
An Air Force spokesperson confirmed to Breaking Defense that Boeing is expected to submit a new master schedule in the spring. Following this, the Air Force plans to conduct a schedule risk assessment to establish revised dates for key milestones, including when the aircraft may become operational.
Originally, the program was anticipated to face a delay of about two to three years under a revised 2022 schedule that aimed for first jet delivery in September 2026, with a year of contingency time. The second aircraft was to be delivered in February 2027 with the same buffer, but the specific arrival timeline remains uncertain under the revised scenario.
Boeing has encountered a range of challenges refurbishing the two 747s contracted for this program, including supply chain issues and workforce constraints. The ongoing delays mean that President Trump—who actively engaged in the negotiations for the aircraft—will likely not be able to use the new Air Force One before the conclusion of his potential second term. The first jet was initially expected to be delivered this year.
Should Trump return to the White House, there may be changes to the aircraft’s design, shifting from its finalized white and light-blue color scheme back to his original preference of white, red, and dark blue, as previously reported by Politico. The Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft’s “livery options” were finalized last year.
