Boeing Delays Air Force One Program Amid COVID-19 and Workforce Challenges

The US Air Force expects to receive its first modernized Air Force One aircraft in mid-2028, roughly two-and-a-half years later than initially forecast. The program’s revised timeline comes after Boeing secured a deal personally mediated by President Trump in 2018 and faced numerous challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions and workforce woes. As part of the effort to rescue the program, Boeing brought on a top Northrop Grumman executive to lead the flagging effort. In related news, the Air Force has accepted a luxury 747 airliner gifted by the Qatari government as an interim Air Force One until the Boeing jets are ready, a move criticized by Democrats and ethics groups.