Trump's Tour of Delayed Air Force One Highlights Boeing's Billion-Dollar Setback

President Donald Trump toured a Boeing airplane to examine new technologies, emphasizing Boeing's delays in delivering updated Air Force One jets. Initially scheduled for delivery in 2024, the dates have now shifted to 2027 and 2028. Trump claims to have reduced the project cost by $1.6 billion.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump inspected a Boeing aircraft at Palm Beach International Airport, spotlighting Boeing's prolonged efforts in delivering upgraded Air Force One jets. According to the White House, the tour aimed to underline the company's missteps in meeting delivery deadlines.

The Air Force One project, initially slated for 2024 completion, encountered setbacks that pushed the timelines to 2027 and 2028. During an online discussion with Tesla and SpaceX's Elon Musk, Trump shared his negotiation moves in cutting $1.6 billion from the original project cost.

Trump also expressed interest in modifying the aircraft's color to a darker blue, which was previously scrapped by President Joe Biden due to additional testing needs. Meanwhile, Boeing, supported by Musk, works on accelerating the replacements' delivery.

(With inputs from agencies.)