WASHINGTON (AP) — On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced he is exploring the option of acquiring pre-owned Boeing planes, potentially from international sources, to serve as Air Force One during his travels. This decision comes amid frustration over delays from Boeing in delivering two specially modified aircraft designated for presidential use.

While addressing the media on board one of the two nearly 35-year-old Boeing 747-200 jets currently in service, Trump expressed, “We’re examining other options because the timeline from Boeing is too extended.”

“We may proceed to purchase a plane,” Trump remarked, noting that he could subsequently “convert it.” He clarified that he will not consider options from Airbus—a European competitor that is the only other major manufacturer of large, wide-body aircraft—yet he remains open to acquiring a used Boeing from another country. “I would rule out Airbus. I might look at purchasing one from abroad,” he added.

Boeing holds the contract for producing upgraded variants based on the newer Boeing 747-8 models, but delivery has faced significant postponements. The aircraft maker has incurred substantial financial losses related to this contract, which Trump negotiated during his first term.

The challenges are not merely about the planes themselves; the extensive modifications necessary to meet the unique requirements for presidential travel, along with the stringent security clearances for all personnel involved, have contributed to both the increased costs and delays. Trump has already waived the air-to-air refueling requirement for the new VC-25B aircraft, a feature present in the existing VC-25As, which were designed in the Cold War era.

Additional modifications include high-level classified communication systems tailored for the nation’s leader, enhancements for survivability across various scenarios, and self-contained air stairs to facilitate landings in less-developed locations.

The initial delivery timeline was set for 2024 but has now been extended to 2027 for the first aircraft and 2028—Trump’s final year in office—for the second, according to the U.S. Air Force.

On Saturday, Trump inspected a modern Boeing 747-800 to evaluate its advanced technology and features, highlighting Boeing’s delays in delivering the upgraded Air Force One jets, according to a statement from the White House. The former president visited this 13-year-old aircraft, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, while it was stationed at Palm Beach International Airport.

The New York Times was the first to report that Trump is contemplating the purchase and modification of used planes to fulfill the role of the presidential aircraft.