Aging Aircraft Raise Concerns
new Air Force One Boeing jets may replace the 30-year-old 747-200s currently serving as the presidential aircraft. Delays have kept these elderly planes in operation even though their replacement was anticipated years ago.
As former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall put it, “They are just old airplanes — and airplanes have finite lives.” The urgent need for new airplanes has been highlighted by the lack of replacement components and antiquated systems.
Boeing’s Slow Development and Obstacles
In 2015, Boeing was chosen to supply two 747-8 aircraft for Air Force One upgrade. Initially set for 2024 delivery, supply chain disruptions and internal company issues—including a contractor going out of business—have delayed the timeline.
In addition, FAA findings of structural cracks in some Boeing 747-8 models have added to concerns. The total project cost is estimated to exceed $2 billion, far beyond the $250 million base price of the aircraft.
Trump’s Frustration and a Qatari Offer
President Trump, who has long prioritized optics and branding, has voiced displeasure with the current aircraft’s visual appeal. He wants something grander, similar to the state-of-the-art jets he sees in Doha and other Gulf capitals.
In response, Trump has proposed accepting a Boeing 747-8 from the Qatari royal family as a donation to the Pentagon. This jet, originally built for luxury rather than military hardening, would then be repurposed for presidential use or perhaps his future presidential library.
Qatar and the Optics Battle
Trump’s comparison to the jets he sees in Doha, UAE, and Saudi Arabia isn’t just cosmetic. The president reportedly said, “We’re the United States of America. I believe that we should have the most impressive plane.”
However, converting a luxury aircraft into an actual Air Force One is a long and expensive task. Experts warn that despite the lavish interior of a Qatari jet, it lacks the security, communications, and defense systems of the real thing.
Effects on the Stock Market and Boeing
Boeing’s internal problems have been brought to light by the Air Force One project’s delays and problems. As a result, investors and authorities have been paying closer attention to Boeing’s shares and pricing.
However, if the new Air Force One aircraft are delivered successfully, it may increase trust in Boeing’s long-term defense contracts. The participation of Doha and high-level political optics may further impact public perception and market movements.
Source: The New York Times
