Key takeaways:

• President Trump is unhappy with Boeing's delays in building new Air Force One jets.
• The project is reportedly behind schedule by at least three years and over $2 billion over budget.
• Trump is exploring alternative options for the jets, including purchasing used planes.

President Donald Trump has publicly aired his frustrations regarding Boeing's delays in the delivery of two new Air Force One planes, indicating that the aircraft manufacturer's timelines have fallen significantly behind schedule. Speaking aboard the current Air Force One, Trump expressed dissatisfaction, stating, “No, I'm not happy with Boeing. It takes them a long time to do...Air Force One, we gave that contract out a long time ago” according to Reuters.

The original contract for the new planes was negotiated during his first term in office, aiming for deliveries in 2024, but Boeing has since pushed back the delivery dates to 2027 or 2028, citing supply chain issues and labor problems. Trump lamented, "I bought a plane. It’s really two planes, Air Force One. Now if Boeing would build the damn thing it would be nice," highlighting his growing impatience with the project’s stagnation, as reported by The Hill.

Despite rumors, Trump remains resolute against purchasing alternatives from Boeing’s competitor, Airbus, asserting, “No, I would not consider Airbus over Boeing." Instead, he is open to acquiring a used plane and adapting it for presidential use. Additionally, Trump is reportedly directing billionaire ally Elon Musk to assist with expediting the jet's development. The frustrations reflect a broader narrative in Trump's presidency, where major defense contracts have become a focal point of contention with military contractors. The Air Force One project, initially capped at $4 billion, has faced major cost overruns and delays—issues that Trump previously criticized during his campaign, emphasizing the need for more effective manufacturing practices in America.

For more details, visit BBC, Reuters, and The Hill.