Frustrated by delays in the production of a new Air Force One, President Donald Trump’s administration has reportedly decided to overhaul a jet once operated by the Qatari government as a temporary substitute.
“I’m not happy with Boeing,” Trump said in February about the drawn-out progress on the Air Force One replacements. “We may buy a plane or get a plane, or something.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, the federal government has enlisted defense contractor L3Harris to retrofit a Boeing 747 that previously belonged to Qatar’s leadership. Sources told the outlet that Trump is aiming to have the upgraded aircraft ready for use by the fall and is keeping close tabs on its status. This refurbished jet is expected to serve as a stand-in until the official replacements are completed.
The existing fleet of presidential aircraft — introduced during George H.W. Bush’s presidency — is approaching retirement.
During his first term, Trump reached a $3.9 billion agreement with Boeing to produce two new presidential aircraft. But seven years after securing the deal, Boeing has fallen behind schedule, and the program has encountered soaring costs due to supplier issues and engineering problems.
Given the delays, and barring an end run around the 22nd Amendment — something Trump has joked about — the new Air Force One planes may not be ready during his presidency.
This effort to find an interim solution reportedly began shortly after Boeing’s CEO visited the White House on April 18 for a meeting with the president.
Even prior to Trump’s return to the Oval Office, high-ranking officials in the Air Force and the White House Military Office had discussed canceling the Boeing contract, sources told the Journal.
Under Trump’s direction, there have also been internal conversations about whether the administration can pursue legal action against Boeing for the setbacks, according to the report.
{Matzav.com}