A government report says Boeing is years behind schedule and billions over-budget on its contract for two jumbo jets to replace Air Force One.
The 747’s are being modified at Port San Antonio for presidential use. The News 4 I-Team has the report’s findings and Boeing’s response.
When Boeing was first awarded the contract for two presidential planes they were supposed to be completed by 2024. The assessment by the Government Accountability Office says they won’t be ready until 2029.
The original cost was $3.9 billion; the current estimate is $5.6 billion.
Video shot by News 4 on Tuesday morning shows crews busy working on one of the new presidential planes at Port San Antonio.
It hasn’t been painted yet with the new red, white and blue color scheme President Trump says will replace the lighter blue we’ve grown accustomed to on Air Force One.
The Air Force wants the commercial jets to have the same level of security and communications available in the White House, which requires electrical power upgrades, military avionics and executive interior.
The GAO assessment released in June says Boeing discovered stress-corrosion cracks and repairs are ongoing. It mentions wiring delays and says some wiring has yet to be installed, design issues that have contributed to excess noise in the aircraft cabin, and that Boeing has struggled to hire and retain qualified mechanics due to ongoing market conditions.
The assessment says there’ve been difficulties getting necessary security clearances for mechanics.
A Boeing spokesperson said in an email “The GAO assessment is a dated report based on a snapshot in time that is not reflective of where the program is currently or an indicator of the progress being made. We are not having issues hiring and retaining qualified employees on this program.”
The spokesperson said for the current schedule we should contact the Air Force which has not yet responded.
Boeing also sent this statement to News 4: “We have a talented and committed workforce on this program. We take our role very seriously and know it’s an honor to be entrusted with this responsibility. Our focus is on delivering two exceptional Air Force One airplanes for the country.”
President Trump has voiced his frustration with the delays. At his urging the Defense Department is preparing to modify another 747 that was a gift from the Qatari royal family for use as an interim Air Force One.
That jet was seen at San Antonio International Airport earlier this year and could cost as much as a billion dollars to upgrade.
In May an Air Force official told a congressional hearing the new planes could be ready by 2027 if some of the requirements were reduced.