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Former President Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring used Boeing jets as he grows frustrated with delays from the U.S. aerospace company regarding two specially modified planes intended for presidential use.
These jets—potentially sourced from an international seller—would serve as Air Force One during his travels.
“We’re exploring options, as Boeing’s timeline is too extended,” he remarked to reporters on Wednesday while in one of the aging Boeing 747-200 jets currently in service.
“We might consider purchasing a plane,” Trump added, indicating he could subsequently “modify it.”
He clarified, however, that he would not entertain the notion of acquiring an aircraft from Airbus, the other major manufacturer of large aircraft worldwide, but was open to second-hand Boeing options. “I would not opt for Airbus. Perhaps I could buy one from another country.”
Boeing has a contract for the production of updated models based on the contemporary Boeing 747-8, but the project has been hindered by delays as the manufacturer contends with significant financial losses stemming from the agreement, which was established during Trump’s first term.
The challenges lie not in acquiring the jets themselves, but in the extensive modifications required to meet the presidential travel criteria and the high-level security clearances necessary for those involved, which have resulted in increased costs and delays.
Trump has already waived a requirement for the new generation of aircraft, designating the VC-25B, to have air-to-air refueling capabilities, a feature available on the older VC-25As developed during the Cold War.
Additional changes involve sophisticated communication systems meant for the President, enhanced survivability features for various emergencies, and self-contained air stairs to facilitate landings in remote locations.
Initially slated for delivery in 2024, the first of the upgraded planes is now expected in 2027, with the second scheduled for delivery in 2028, coinciding with Trump’s last year in office, according to information from the U.S. Air Force.
On Saturday, Trump inspected a modern Boeing 747-800 to assess its advanced technology and hardware, emphasizing Boeing’s delays in updating the Air Force One fleet, as per a White House statement.
During this visit, he examined a 13-year-old private aircraft that was previously owned by the Qatari royal family, which was parked at Palm Beach International Airport.
The New York Times was among the first to report on Trump’s intentions to consider the acquisition and modification of used jets to replace the presidential aircraft.
