Key Takeaways:

• President Trump toured a Boeing aircraft to highlight delays in the new Air Force One project.
• The delivery of updated versions is now pushed to 2027 and 2028.
• Trump criticized Boeing's project costs, claiming he previously negotiated a $1.6 billion reduction.
• Elon Musk is involved in efforts to expedite the delivery timeline amidst project challenges.
• A proposal to change Air Force One’s color scheme faces logistical hurdles.

President Trump recently toured a Boeing plane to underscore the ongoing delays in delivering new Air Force One aircraft, according to the White House. The visit took place at Palm Beach International Airport and involved a 13-year-old private jet previously owned by Qatar's royal family, showcasing new hardware and technology Reuters reported.

Initially, the updated versions of the iconic Air Force One, modified Boeing 747s, were scheduled for delivery in 2024. However, the timeline has now been extended, with the first aircraft set for arrival in 2027 and the second in 2028, coinciding with the end of Trump’s potential second term CBS News.

During the tour, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung emphasized that the occasion highlighted the project's inability to adhere to its original schedule. Trump's frustration with the delays and costs has been evident throughout the process. He previously stated he managed to negotiate a significant price reduction of over $1 billion during his first term by employing tough negotiation tactics Los Angeles Times.

In a conversation last month with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is reportedly aiding efforts to expedite the delivery of the new planes, Trump asserted, “I got the price reduced by $1.6 billion for the exact same plane” relative to the initial proposal.

Amid these discussions, there have also been attempts to change the visual design of Air Force One, with Trump expressing interest in a darker color scheme, moving away from the established light blue. However, this initiative has faced hurdles, including logistical studies that could lead to further delays in the project’s timeline.

The ongoing challenges with the delivery of the new Air Force One reflect broader issues Boeing is facing, including supply chain delays and high production costs as they work to fulfill a contract that originally drew scrutiny during Trump’s first term.

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