President Donald Trump is taking measures to address delays in the replacement of Air Force One by overseeing the refurbishment of a plane once used by the Qatari government.
The Washington Examiner reported that the initiative aims to modernize presidential transport capabilities amidst hurdles faced by existing, aging aircraft. Efforts are underway to prepare the renovated plane for use by the fall.
The White House has enlisted defense company L3Harris to modify this former Qatari Boeing 747, intending it to serve as an interim Air Force One.
This decision aligns with Trump's concerns over the protracted timeline associated with Boeing's construction of two new Air Force One jets, which have been significantly delayed.
During his first presidency, two new aircraft were commissioned as part of a broader strategy to replace the current fleet. The existing VC-25As date back to George H.W. Bush's era and demand substantial maintenance, which complicates their reliability for long-distance travel.
As a result, the maintenance-intensive nature of these planes presently constrains the President's travel options, particularly for overseas engagements.
Boeing was awarded a $3.9 million fixed-price contract to build new presidential jets. However, this project has encountered budget overruns and time delays. Frank Kendall, operating under the Biden administration, has contemplated the potential cancellation of Boeing's contract due to these issues.
Concerns over the project's progression were evident even before Trump's inauguration, with the White House Military Office and U.S. Air Force officials expressing similar thoughts about terminating the agreement.
In February, Trump voiced his dissatisfaction, suggesting alternative options for acquiring new jets were being considered. "I’m not happy with Boeing," he told reporters, highlighting the slow pace of progress and suggesting that other avenues might be explored.
Trump's plan for the interim plane includes changes to its aesthetic scheme, proposing a shift from the traditional light blue color to a combination of red, white, and dark blue. This design change has prompted debate, particularly as darker colors may contribute to overheating.
The plane will also be equipped with the necessary specialized equipment to ensure presidential security and seamless communication.
The President’s exploration of using a Qatari-managed aircraft serves as part of a larger strategy to mitigate delays caused by Boeing's struggling project. Discussions about potential legal recourse against Boeing illustrate the extent of dissatisfaction with the present progress.
Trump is keen to have the modified Qatari plane operational by the upcoming fall season. The aircraft will serve as a temporary measure until Boeing completes its work on the new jets, ensuring that the President's transport options are not hindered by the current craft's setbacks.
The broader efforts to enhance presidential transport contrast with the significant delays and budgetary issues currently overshadowing Boeing's commitments.
This initiative reflects a pragmatic response to maintaining international mobility and security for the U.S. President in light of the aging current fleet.
By seeking a stopgap solution in the Qatari plane, Trump aims to ensure continued functionality and readiness for high-demand travel schedules, emphasizing the importance of reliable presidential transport.
