The next version of the ‘White House in the air’ faces the risk of being delayed by 2 years

Air Force One (Air Force One) on the runway after US President Joe Biden returned to base Andrews, Maryland, USA in March 2021 – Photo: REUTERS

According to the GAO, Boeing’s change of interior design suppliers is considered a major risk to the plane’s delivery schedule.

Air Force One, emblazoned with the American flag and the words “United States of America”, is known around the world as a “White House in the Air”.

Air Force One is currently the Boeing VC-25B (the military version of the 747-8). VC-25B has a three-storey space of 372m²including conference rooms and medical rooms.

Boeing-designed VC-25Bs are capable of flying in bad security situations such as nuclear war. They are integrated with advanced communication and defense systems.

In 2018, Boeing received a $3.9 billion contract to deliver two VC-25Bs by 2024. However, the Pentagon said the planes were unlikely to be delivered until 2026. .

According to the GAO report, Boeing has few mechanics due to a competitive labor market. In addition, skilled Boeing workers may be less likely to be licensed with the US presidential plane to make the changes.

Boeing said it is focusing its work on these two special planes. “We continue to make steady progress on the VC-25B program and overcome a number of challenges,” Boeing said in a statement.

In addition, the red, white and dark blue paint colors recommended by former president Donald Trump while in office are also considered problematic, according to Reuters.