President Donald Trump is thinking about buying used Boeing planes for Air Force One. He’s frustrated with Boeing’s delays in producing two specially modified aircraft for presidential travel.
While talking to reporters on a nearly 35-year-old Boeing 747-200, Trump said, “We’re looking at alternatives, because it’s taking Boeing too long.” He suggested that he could buy a used Boeing from another country and then modify it for presidential needs. He specifically ruled out Airbus, saying he would only consider second-hand Boeing planes.
Boeing has a contract to create updated versions of the 747, but production has faced delays. The company has lost significant money on this project, which Trump initiated during his first term. The delays stem from the extensive modifications needed to make the planes suitable for presidential use, which include high-tech communication systems and security enhancements.
Originally, the new planes were expected to be delivered by 2024. However, the timeline has been pushed back to 2027 for the first aircraft and 2028 for the second. These changes come as Trump previously dropped the requirement for the new aircraft to be air-to-air refueling capable, a feature included in older models designed during the Cold War.
Recently, Trump toured a newer Boeing 747-800 to highlight the delays. The aircraft, previously owned by the Qatari royal family, was parked at Palm Beach International Airport.
Overall, Trump’s exploration of buying and modifying used planes reflects his urgency in addressing the delays in the production of the new Air Force One aircraft.
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