Trump explores alternatives to Boeing following delay in jet delivery
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Trump has expressed his discontent with Boeing's delay in delivering presidential planes initially scheduled for 2024, revealing that his administration is looking into alternatives.
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President Donald Trump, followed by Elon Musk, arrives on Air Force One on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, after returning from Florida. (AP)
The Trump administration is looking into alternatives to Boeing due to delays in the delivery of two new Air Force One planes, President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday.
"I'm not happy with Boeing," the president told reporters aboard his current jet, adding, "We're looking at alternatives because it's taking Boeing too long."
The American aerospace manufacturer had agreed in 2018 to provide two 747-8 aircraft by the end of 2024 for $3.9 billion, both designed to serve the White House occupant at the time. However, setbacks arose when a subcontractor went bankrupt and the coronavirus pandemic disrupted production, causing Boeing to postpone delivery to 2027 and 2028.
Trump mentioned he was open to purchasing aircraft "from another country" but ruled out Boeing’s European competitor Airbus as an option.
Air Force One is a heavily modified aircraft equipped with advanced communication systems, a medical bay, and defensive technology. The current airplanes face escalating maintenance costs, and many of their parts are becoming obsolete.
Boeing's downfall?
Trump’s remarks add to Boeing’s challenges, as the company reported an $11.8 billion loss last year. It continues to feel the impact of a labor strike that lasted over seven weeks and halted production at two major assembly plants.
Boeing’s reputation took another hit following a January 2024 incident in which an Alaska Airlines-operated 737 MAX was forced to make an emergency landing after a mid-flight window panel blowout. The event prompted increased scrutiny from US aviation regulators and led to a slowdown in production.
Boeing's defense division is also facing significant losses, compounded by the troubled mission of its Starliner spacecraft, which failed to achieve a full mission after landing without the two astronauts it was supposed to bring back from the International Space Station.
Boeing also announced a one-year delay in the first delivery of its 777X commercial jetliner, a key product in the company's portfolio, further adding to investor unease.
Moreover, Boeing's shares dropped several times over the past year, particularly following a fatal South Korea crash.
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