Boeing Bets More Cash to Hit the 2028 Air Force One Delivery Window

Boeing is tacking on an extra $280 million to accelerate the VC-25B program and keep the plan for a 2028 delivery of the next-generation Air Force One on track, absorbing most of the cost under a fixed-price contract and already pushing losses beyond $3 billion. The company is expanding production, boosting certification and testing, and shifting to a military-certification approach while working with the Air Force. In the interim, a Qatar-donated 747-8 serves as an interim Air Force One, as the permanent VC-25Bs—larger with advanced comms and defenses—are readied, though they will forgo aerial refueling to reduce risk and cost.