Boeing’s program to build new Air Force One planes has cost over $5 billion. These planes are replacing the presidential jets that started flying in 1990.
BY Mahnoor | 20-07-2026
Boeing said on Sunday it still plans to give the Air Force two new special planes in 2028, but reaching that goal will need more money for a project already many years late and billions over cost.
Boeing got a $3.9 billion deal in 2018 to build the planes, but costs have grown to over $5 billion. The planes are meant to replace the current Air Force One planes, which started flying in 1990.
“We are on track for 2028,” Steve Parker, CEO of Defense, Space & Security, told reporters before the Farnborough Airshow in the UK, adding that he expected the first aircraft to begin testing next year.
“I do expect that costs will go up a bit as we finish the wiring and structures, and also complete our own certifications.”
In May 2025, the US took a fancy Boeing 747 from Qatar to use as a temporary president plane. The plane started being used as a backup. Because of safety worries, they chose not to fly the Qatari plane back from Turkey, and used an older Air Force One instead.
The Air Force One program is turning two Boeing 747-8 planes into very special jets. They have advanced communication and defense systems. Even if they arrive in 2028, the program will be four years late.
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