Due to Boeing's delays, Trump pushes for a provisional Air Force One based on a former Qatar Airways Boeing 747
In response to ongoing delays in Boeing's Air Force One replacement program, the Trump administration is taking steps to ensure a short-term alternative for presidential transport. Defense contractor L3Harris has been assigned the task of outfitting a Boeing 747-8, previously used by the Qatari government, to serve as an interim presidential aircraft by the end of this year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Boeing is still working on the two new presidential aircraft, militarily designated as VC-25B, under an original $3.9 billion contract. However, the program is years behind the initial schedule, which planned for delivery in 2024, and is facing significant cost overruns due to issues with suppliers, engineering, and manufacturing. Sources close to the project indicate that recent challenges focus on complex wiring and structural issues, including door openings in the lower fuselage lobes.
L3Harris, already involved in the VC-25B program as a communications systems provider for Boeing, now bears the responsibility of modernizing the ex-Qatari 747. The task includes installing specialized systems necessary to transform the luxury aircraft into one fit for transporting the Commander-in-Chief. President Trump remains keenly interested in the project’s progress and hopes to have the plane ready for use as early as this fall. Boeing’s CEO met with Trump in the Oval Office on April 18 to discuss the situation.
Reports indicate that, around last November’s elections, Boeing informed federal officials that delivery of the new VC-25Bs could be delayed until about 2035. This situation led to discussions within the White House about potential legal action against the manufacturer and revived considerations of canceling the contract—an option previously explored at the start of Trump’s first term and again during the Biden administration.
Frank Kendall, who served as Secretary of the Air Force, recently mentioned that during his tenure he was open to evaluating alternatives, including working with Airbus or adopting a twin-engine platform instead of the four-engine 747s. Kendall also emphasized the need to thoroughly review the program’s requirements to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
The rapid adaptation of the ex-Qatari 747 presents its own challenges. Andrew Hunter, head of USAF acquisitions during the Biden administration, commented—without knowledge of the specific new plan—that such a tight deadline would likely limit the scope of modifications. “They might be able to repaint it, make some communications upgrades, but I suspect it would be difficult to go much further on that timeline,” he said. The interim aircraft will likely not achieve the full capabilities of the current VC-25A.
Trump’s interest in an alternative solution became evident in February, when he inspected a Boeing 747 owned by Qatar Amiri Flight in West Palm Beach, Florida. After the visit, he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Boeing, declaring “I’m not happy with Boeing” and suggesting the possibility of acquiring a new plane.
Qatar Amiri Flight, the air transport division for Qatar’s royal family and senior government officials, added several Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft in Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) configuration to its fleet. These aircraft are noted for their lavish, highly customized interiors and spacious design, built to provide maximum comfort on long-haul flights, leveraging the inherent capacity and range of the 747-8i.
Intended for state visits and VIP transport, these Jumbo Jet variants represented the pinnacle of private air travel. However, in recent years, Qatar Amiri Flight has either sold or withdrawn several of these aircraft from active service, reshaping its strategic transport fleet.
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Since his election victory, Trump has sought to accelerate the VC-25B project, even involving Elon Musk to try to speed up the process and cut requirements considered excessive by Boeing. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO at the time, acknowledged at a February investor conference that Musk was helping identify which technical requirements were essential and which bureaucratic elements could be eliminated.
As L3Harris works on the interim solution, Boeing faces pressure to meet FAA certification requirements and maintain security credentials for personnel involved in this classified project.
Neither the White House, Boeing, nor L3Harris have commented on these developments.
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