Mystery in the airline industry unraveled by a high-profile visit: Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747, holds the attention as the President travels on both of the over 30-year-old planes. Boeing Inc., tasked with producing updated versions, faces delays that have caused staggering losses. Initially slated for delivery in 2024, the updated planes are now expected to arrive in 2027 and 2028, coinciding with the end of Trump’s presidential term, as per the U.S. Air Force.
Trump’s discontent with the project’s expenses and delays is palpable, as seen during his recent inspection of a 13-year-old Boeing 747 at Palm Beach International Airport. In a candid conversation with Elon Musk in 2024, Trump claimed to have negotiated a price reduction of $1.6 billion for the same aircraft, attributing it to his tough stance with Boeing in his first term.
Elon Musk, supporter of Trump’s 2024 campaign and head of a new Department of Government Efficiency, aims to streamline the government by reducing spending and workforce. Amid criticisms, Musk collaborates with Boeing to expedite the delivery of Air Force One replacements. Trump’s interest in altering the iconic light blue color scheme of Air Force One to a darker shade was met with resistance by former President Joe Biden, citing additional costs and delays due to necessary testing.
The saga continues as Air Force One, with Trump onboard, touches down at Palm Beach airport, leaving in its wake a trail of intrigue and speculation surrounding the future of the presidential aircraft.
