The U.S. Air Force said Friday that delivery of the next presidential aircraft will slip again, pushing the handover of the first of two new Air Force One jets to mid-2028. The announcement marks the latest delay for the high-profile replacement program that moves the president and staff around the world. The decision affects flight planning, maintenance schedules, and budgeting for the White House fleet.
The U.S. Air Force said on Friday the delivery of the first of two new Air Force One jets from Boeing has been delayed by another year to mid-2028, the latest in a series of delays.
The two new aircraft, based on heavily modified Boeing 747-8 airframes, are intended to replace the current VC-25A jets, which entered service in the early 1990s. Those aging aircraft require extensive maintenance and periodic upgrades to meet security and communications needs. With the schedule pushed back, planners must keep the existing jets in service longer than anticipated.
Background: A program shaped by schedule slips
The replacement effort has been underway for years with a goal of modernizing the presidential fleet’s communications, defense systems, and mission range. Earlier timelines targeted handover in the middle of this decade. Subsequent updates shifted those targets later as the program encountered schedule pressure.
Industry watchers have noted that customizing large commercial airframes for the presidential mission is complex. It involves secure communications, self-defense systems, and significant cabin modifications. Those steps require testing and certification, adding time to the build.
What the delay means for operations
A later delivery date means the Air Force will extend use of the current VC-25A jets. Maintenance teams will continue life-extension work and plan for additional inspections to ensure reliability. Flight crews will maintain proficiency on the existing platform while preparing for training on the incoming model once it is available.
- Extended sustainment for current aircraft increases maintenance budgets.
- Training plans for the new jet will shift to align with the revised handover.
- Modernization of mission systems will continue on the legacy fleet where feasible.
For the White House Military Office, the schedule shift requires careful coordination. The office must balance high-tempo travel with maintenance windows and ensure mission continuity during any future transition from old to new aircraft.
Program pressures and industry challenges
While the Air Force did not detail the reasons in Friday’s update, large aircraft modification programs often face supply chain bottlenecks, certification steps, and design changes tied to security requirements. Recent years have also brought workforce disruptions and parts shortages across aviation manufacturing, pressuring timelines.
Boeing’s commercial and defense units have been juggling complex programs under heightened regulatory and quality scrutiny. That environment can ripple into specialized projects like the presidential aircraft, where precision and verification standards are strict.
Budget and oversight implications
Congressional committees overseeing defense acquisition will likely review the revised milestones and associated costs. Extended timelines typically increase sustainment spending on legacy systems. They can also shift funding profiles for testing, training devices, and spares.
Watchdogs often emphasize the need for transparent schedule baselines and regular risk assessments. Adjustments to supplier timelines, cybersecurity integration, and test plans can reduce surprises later in the program.
What to watch next
Key milestones include completion of major structural modifications, installation and testing of secure communications, and ground and flight test campaigns. The second aircraft’s schedule will draw attention once the first jet reaches stable performance in testing.
Travel demands for the president also factor into planning. Any extended maintenance periods for the legacy fleet will need to be carefully timed around major events and international trips.
The Air Force’s confirmation of a new mid-2028 target puts a clearer marker on the path ahead. The shift signals that the current presidential aircraft will remain in service longer, requiring careful upkeep and contingency planning. The next updates to watch are testing progress and any adjustments to the second jet’s delivery window, which will shape how and when the fleet transitions to its next chapter.
