Elon Musk Visits Boeing about Delayed New Air Force One Jets

By Evans Momodu
3 minute read


Elon Musk has been involved in discussions with Boeing to accelerate the long-delayed production of the next-generation Air Force One jets, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed on Tuesday.

The two 747 jets, originally slated for delivery in 2022, are now expected to arrive no earlier than 2027. Ortberg said Boeing has been working with Musk—CEO of Tesla and SpaceX—alongside the Air Force to identify contract and process inefficiencies slowing down the project.

Musk's visit to Boeing’s operations on December 18 was previously reported, but Ortberg’s confirmation that discussions are ongoing is new.

"The president wants the airplane sooner, and so we’re working with Elon and the team to figure out what we can do to pull up the schedule," Ortberg stated. He described the talks as "constructive" and noted that efforts are focused on removing inefficiencies that are not adding value.

Despite these efforts, Ortberg admitted there is “no silver bullet” to resolve the program’s challenges. However, he expressed optimism about Boeing's ability to improve its performance in 2025.

Musk’s involvement comes as part of his role leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at reducing wasteful government spending.

The Air Force One jets have exceeded their budget by over $1 billion each, but due to fixed-price contracts, Boeing will absorb the additional costs rather than taxpayers. The Air Force is set to pay $3.9 billion for the two aircraft.

Delays have stemmed from supply chain issues and pandemic-related staffing shortages at Boeing’s Texas facility, where the jets are being outfitted with high-security features.

Boeing has already reported $2.25 billion in losses on the project and took an additional $1.7 billion charge for military contracts—including the Air Force One program—in its latest financial results.

Ortberg also mentioned discussions with President Donald Trump, highlighting the administration’s focus on American jobs and the aerospace industry.
Source: CNN