Inside the Plane That Could Replace Air Force One: Trump’s Surprising Palm Beach Visit

In a high-profile gesture, US President Donald Trump inspected a 13-year-old Boeing 747 8 plane on February 15, 2025, amplifying his effort to hasten the long-slow delivery of new Air Force One planes. The inspection was conducted at Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and involved a plane previously owned by Qatar’s royal family, Reuters reported.

As White House Communications Director Steven Cheung told the media, the president’s visit was meant to draw attention to the slow pace of the new Air Force One project. “President Trump is visiting a new Boeing aircraft to take a look at the new hardware/technology. This points to the failure of the project to provide a new Air Force One on time as originally promised,” said Cheung.

Air Force One Project Suffers Extended Delays

Donald Trump initially negotiated with Boeing in his initial term between 2017 and 2021 for two advanced Air Force One planes. These planes, special Boeing 747-8s, were initially set to arrive in 2024 under President Joe Biden’s administration. Nevertheless, the delivery schedule has kept slipping, and it is currently estimated to take until 2029 or later.

Supply chain limitation, design complication, and spiraling costs are responsible for the delay. Its design to double as an airborne White House implies that the airplane must be fitted with sophisticated communications systems and added security features, which have halted the production process.

Elon Musk Joins Efforts to Accelerate Delivery

Tech magnate Elon Musk, who currently chairs the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), made an appearance at Boeing in January 2025 to discuss the timing. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, in an interview with CNBC, verified the partnership.

“The president would like the airplane sooner, and so we’re collaborating with Elon and the team to determine what we can do to bring up the schedule of that aircraft,” Ortberg said. Musk’s task is to cut government expenditures, and the Air Force One program already ran over budget by more than $1 billion.

Despite the overages, Boeing is bound by fixed-price contracts, ensuring taxpayers remain unaffected. The US Air Force’s total commitment remains capped at $3.9 billion for both jets.

Potential Change in Air Force One Livery

Having defeated Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, President Trump is also likely to resuscitate his previous proposal for a dramatic redesign of the Air Force One color scheme. In his first term, Trump suggested replacing the traditional blue and white Kennedy-era colors with a black and darker red appearance.

While President Biden canceled plans, reports indicate Trump is set to try again to push the modification. A previous senior adviser explained to Politico in July that it would be “wholly in character” for Trump to edit the livery without regard to expense.

Current and Future Fleet

The existing Air Force One fleet is made up of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200Bs, which are labeled VC-25As. The replacements, Boeing 747-8s, are expected to feature cutting-edge technology but are now stuck in years of delay. Although the design sticks with the classic livery, Trump’s re-emergence may indicate further changes.

The controversy surrounding Air Force One’s upgrade persists in drawing political interest, and the symbolism of the plane as powerful as its utility. Trump’s hands-on style and collaboration with Boeing and Musk reflect an increased sense of urgency to finally address long-standing concerns regarding America’s flying White House.