Elon Musk, the controversial CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has taken on the pressing challenge of expediting the development of the Next Air Force One, amid mounting frustration over its delays and soaring costs. The new presidential aircraft program, initially slated for delivery by 2022, now faces delays pushing the expected completion date to at least 2027, with the project more than $2 billion over budget.
The Next Air Force One, known formally as the VC-25B, has been subject to scrutiny since the U.S. Air Force awarded the contract to Boeing back during President Trump's first term. Trump negotiated the deal amid threats to cancel the order, citing excessive costs. Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, noted the delays are largely due to design changes, labor constraints, and supply chain issues. "The president wants the airplane sooner, and so we're working with Elon and the team to figure what can we do to pull up the schedule of the aircraft," Ortberg stated during a CNBC interview.
Musk’s involvement signifies a notable collaboration—or perhaps rivalry—given his position as both industry leader and competitor to Boeing. Musk visited Boeing's facilities recently, on-site to evaluate and streamline operations with the aim of getting the project back on track. Ortberg described their discussions as constructive, indicating they are actively reviewing aspects of the contract and processes to eliminate inefficiencies. "They sincerely are looking at things in the contract or in the process...$2 billion over budget, and it’s just not acceptable anymore," Ortberg said, emphasizing the necessity for reform.
The stakes are high for the air operations of the presidency. The dramatically increased overall cost—estimated to eventually total more than $4 billion—has sparked outcry from government officials and the public alike. The production missteps are not new; earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal uncovered significant lapses, such as improper employee credentials and even bizarre incidents including mini bottles of tequila being found aboard one of the aircraft models.
The aesthetic design of the Next Air Force One raises additional questions about project direction. The aircraft's livery was the subject of debates, particularly surrounding Trump’s expressed preference for a darker color scheme as opposed to the traditional light blue used since the Kennedy era. This has proved to be not just cosmetic but practical—a thermal study indicated the darker colors would require additional evaluation under various heat conditions, causing more delays. After much discussion and consideration, the Air Force under President Biden has reverted to choosing lighter colors for the new aircraft, reflecting continuity with previous presidential jets.
Despite the logistical and bureaucratic challenges lying at the center of the Next Air Force One initiative, Musk's proactive participation may catalyze the necessary changes to speed development. His reputation for relentless innovation may serve as the needed jolt amid slow-moving government processes. While there are no guarantees, the collaborative effort with Boeing’s team might finally align the project with the expectations of both the administration and the public.
The ultimate delivery date of the Next Air Force One remains uncertain, and there's skepticism about whether the aircraft will debut before the end of Biden's term or be pushed beyond, depending on the success of these recent interventions. With the presidential jet intended to symbolize the enduring strength and continuity of the American presidency, every delay is not just operational—it carries significant symbolic weight.
Looking forward, the effectiveness of this joint venture between Musk and Boeing may redefine how future defense and aerospace projects are managed, potentially serving as a case study for optimizing efficiency without compromising the quality or integrity of such high-profile endeavors.
While naval aviation efforts and military logistics are notoriously slow, the integration of commercial innovation with defense manufacturing might just be what’s needed to bring this iconic aircraft to fruition sooner rather than later. With the pressure mounting to deliver on promises made, eyes will closely observe the progress—and any missteps—as Air Force One inches closer to the skies.