(PatriotNews.net) – Former President Donald Trump recently toured Boeing’s Palm Beach facility, highlighting frustrations over significant delays and budget overruns in delivering the new Air Force One jets.
At a Glance
- Air Force One jets delivery delayed from 2024 to as late as 2029.
- Original 747s ordered by Trump modified from a defunct Russian airline.
- Project is $2 billion over budget due to various logistical challenges.
- Elon Musk’s involvement aims to expedite delivery amid frustrations.
Trump’s Boeing Facility Visit
Amid increasing setbacks, Donald Trump took a proactive step by touring the Boeing facility in Palm Beach. Originally contracted in 2018 under a $3.9 billion deal he negotiated, the two new Air Force One planes face delays due to modifications required for Pentagon standards. These difficulties stem from supply chain issues and workforce shortages, pushing delivery to 2027 and 2028 at best. Trump criticized the delays, expressing frustration over potentially missing the jets during a potential second presidential term.
Boeing, dealing with broader issues like restarting 737 Max production and financial losses, cited bankrupt subcontractors and labor shortages as key problems. Adjustments to the planes included reverting to traditional livery designs to prevent further delays, undoing Trump’s plans of emulating his private Boeing 757’s red, white, and blue colors. Despite setbacks, Boeing assures commitment to delivering “exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.”
Boeing's Air Force One Delays: Trump Won't Fly Anytime Soon
👉 Boeing's supply chain issues & inflation cause major delays for Air Force One.
👉 New 747 delivery now expected by 2029, long after Trump's potential second term.
⚠️ Frustration grows as Trump questions Boeing's… pic.twitter.com/MlWgNZAavC
— ZeroHedge Notes (@ZeroHedgeNotes) December 13, 2024
Involving Elon Musk
In a move to expedite delivery, Trump’s 2024 campaign supporter Elon Musk has been tapped to apply his cost-cutting expertise. Now leading a new Department of Government Efficiency, Musk’s role could influence accelerating the jets’ completion, bringing a sense of urgency and innovative cost reductions to the endeavor.
“We take pride in this work. Our focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.” – Boeing
It’s not just retrofitting that has posed problems. From innovating to maintain Pentagon security standards to managing a fixed-price contract that required Boeing to absorb change costs, Boeing has pressed ahead amid financial burdens. This step underlines Trump’s ongoing advocacy for progress and Mr. Musk’s potential to alter the project’s course positively.
Project’s Future Outlook
As former President Trump along with Elon Musk work to address the project’s inefficiencies, there is still a long road. Boeing needs to tackle supply chain disruptions seriously and restore public, governmental, and employee confidence by delivering on this critical national project. Meanwhile, Trump is likely to continue his vigorous support for faster project delivery, signaling that his collaboration with Musk could indeed influence the jets’ swift introduction.
“The model was on the coffee table in the Oval Office and he pointed it out many times to foreign and domestic visitors. He thought it represented America more and represented strength, the red, white, and blue.” – an aide
Reports reflect on Trump’s continued desire for a darker blue color scheme amidst these challenges, emphasizing both national identity and presidential power through these aircraft designed to serve as a “flying White House.” This theme strongly resonates in current times when consistent leadership and swift solutions are paramount in maintaining constitutional values.
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