Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, recently announced that the company is collaborating with Elon Musk to hasten the production of the Next Air Force One. Known as the VC-25B, this presidential aircraft project has been plagued by rising costs and delays since Boeing was awarded the contract in 2015, originally aiming for a 2024 delivery that has now been postponed to at least 2027. The company has reported losses exceeding $2 billion related to the program.
During an interview, Ortberg emphasized the urgency from the presidency for the aircraft's timely delivery and expressed optimism about the constructive discussions with Musk and his team. He highlighted the Department of Government Efficiency's involvement, acknowledging their efforts to identify contract elements and procedural inefficiencies that have hampered progress. Ortberg stated that the aim is to navigate through unnecessary requirements to enhance efficiency and improve the final product.
The project's challenges are compounded by the past administration's renegotiations, where former President Trump threatened to cancel the program if costs surpassed $4 billion. To manage expenses, Boeing repurposed two jets that were intended for a now-defunct Russian airline in 2018. Reports from The Wall Street Journal indicated production issues, such as personnel not meeting credential requirements and incidents that included drugs found aboard one of the aircraft.
As for the design of the new presidential jet, Trump signaled his preference for a more vibrant red, white, and blue aesthetic at his inaugural celebration by cutting a cake featuring the VC-25B design. This color scheme, however, contributed to further delays as it would require additional thermal testing. In 2023, President Biden opted for a more traditional light-blue design, aligning with previous Air Force Ones, despite Trump's lingering desire for his preferred look.
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