Boeing Air Force One Program Delayed to 2028, Costs Exceed $3 Billion
Boeing announced the VC-25B Air Force One program, converting two 747-8s into presidential jets, is on track for 2028 delivery—four years late. Costs have ballooned from a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract to over $5 billion, with Boeing absorbing $3 billion in overruns. A $280 million Q2 2026 loss was reported. Interim use of a Qatari-donated 747 raised security concerns, prompting President Trump to avoid it. Issues include worker clearance, supply chains, and certification changes.
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Boeing reports $280 million Q2 loss due to Air Force One program delays
Boeing attributed a $280 million loss in the second quarter of 2026 to its VC-25B Air Force One program, citing investments in additional production and certification resources. The program, originally slated for 2024 delivery, has been delayed to 2028 due to a lack of properly cleared workers and supply chain issues. The delays forced President Donald Trump to use a Qatari-donated jet as an interim aircraft, which lacked necessary security features such as missile-defense capabilities. The fixed-price $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018 has now cost Boeing over $3.1 billion, with the contract ceiling raised to $4.5 billion. Boeing's total Q2 loss was $428 million, a sharp increase from a $7 million loss in Q1.
Boeing reports $280 million Q2 loss from Air Force One program delays
Boeing attributed a $280 million loss in the second quarter of 2026 to its VC-25B Air Force One program, according to earnings released on July 29, 2026. The defense contractor has faced setbacks in delivering two presidential aircraft due to a lack of properly cleared workers and supply chain issues. These delays forced President Donald Trump to use a Qatari-donated jet temporarily, which lacked necessary security features like missile-defense capabilities, leading him to revert to an older Air Force One after the NATO Summit amid tensions with Iran. The contract, signed in 2018 with a fixed $3.9 billion price tag, has now cost over $3.1 billion, with the ceiling raised to $4.5 billion. First delivery is now expected in 2028, years behind the original 2024 target. Boeing's total Q2 loss was $428 million, a sharp increase from $7 million in Q1.
Boeing reports $280 million Q2 loss due to Air Force One program delays
Boeing attributed a $280 million loss in the second quarter of 2026 to its VC-25B Air Force One program, citing investments in additional production and certification resources. The program, originally slated for 2024 delivery, has been delayed to 2028 due to a lack of properly cleared workers and supply chain issues. The delays forced President Donald Trump to use a Qatari-donated jet as an interim aircraft, which later proved insufficient for security needs, leading Trump to revert to an older Air Force One after the NATO Summit amid tensions with Iran. The fixed-price $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018 has now cost Boeing over $3.1 billion, with the contract ceiling raised to $4.5 billion. Boeing's total Q2 loss was $428 million, a sharp increase from a $7 million loss in Q1.
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Boeing Reports $3 Billion in Air Force One Cost Overruns, Delays First Delivery to 2028
Boeing announced a fresh $280 million loss on the VC-25B Air Force One program during its quarterly earnings call, bringing total out-of-pocket costs to over $3 billion. The company is investing additional resources to keep the first fully-equipped presidential jet on track for delivery in 2028, years behind the original December 2024 target. The program operates under a firm fixed-price contract, forcing Boeing to absorb cost overruns. The Government Accountability Office reported total U.S. government acquisition costs rose from $6.263 billion to $6.608 billion. Issues include stress corrosion cracks on 747-8 airframes, outdated communications systems requiring post-delivery upgrades, and a shift from FAA to military certification. The Qatari-gifted VC-25B Bridge jet will also be pulled from service for upgrades due to defensive capability concerns.
Boeing Reports $3 Billion in Air Force One Cost Overruns, Delays Continue
Boeing announced a fresh $280 million loss on the VC-25B Air Force One program during its quarterly earnings call, bringing total out-of-pocket costs to over $3 billion. The company is investing additional resources to keep the first fully-equipped presidential jet on track for delivery in 2028, years behind the original December 2024 target. The program operates under a firm fixed-price contract, forcing Boeing to absorb the overruns. The U.S. Air Force has also added funding, including a $15.5 million contract modification for communications work. The Government Accountability Office reported total acquisition costs rose from $6.263 billion to $6.608 billion. Issues include stress corrosion cracks affecting 747-8s globally, certification changes from FAA to military standards, and outdated technologies requiring upgrades. The second aircraft is expected in mid-2029.
Boeing on Track for 2028 Air Force One Delivery, Costs Rise
Boeing announced it remains on track to deliver two new Air Force One jets in 2028, but meeting that target will require additional spending on a program already years behind schedule and billions over budget. Originally awarded a $3.9 billion contract in 2018, costs have ballooned to over $5 billion. Steve Parker, CEO of Defense, Space & Security, stated the first aircraft is expected to begin testing next year, with cost growth anticipated as wiring, structures, and certifications are completed. In May 2025, the U.S. accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar as a temporary presidential aircraft, which has since entered service. Security concerns led President Donald Trump to avoid flying the Qatari jet home from Turkey. The Air Force One program involves converting two Boeing 747-8 aircraft into highly specialized jets with advanced communications and defensive systems. Even with a 2028 delivery, the program would be four years behind schedule.
Boeing on Track for 2028 Air Force One Delivery, Costs Rise
Boeing announced it remains on track to deliver two new Air Force One jets in 2028, but meeting that target will require additional spending on a program already years behind schedule and billions over budget. Originally awarded a $3.9 billion contract in 2018, costs have ballooned to over $5 billion. CEO Steve Parker stated the first aircraft will begin testing next year, with cost growth expected as wiring, structures, and certifications are completed. The program involves converting two Boeing 747-8 aircraft into specialized jets with advanced communications and defensive systems. Even with a 2028 delivery, the program will be four years behind schedule. In May 2025, the U.S. accepted a luxury Boeing 747 from Qatar as a temporary presidential aircraft, which has since entered service as a bridge aircraft.