Thread by @GREENESJ333

The real scandal about the Air Force one is Boeing's failure as it has serious National Security Implications: The current VC-25A fleet, in service since 1990, is aging and increasingly costly to maintain,
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with reliability issues posing risks for presidential transport. Delays in replacing these aircraft heighten concerns about the President's safety and operational readiness.
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The new Air Force One aircraft, designated VC-25B and based on Boeing 747-8s, were ordered in 2018. This followed a contract finalized in February 2018 during the Trump administration for two aircraft at a cost of $3.9 billion.
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As of today, May 15, 2025, that means the order was placed approximately 7 years and 3 months ago.

Boeing proposes 2027 delivery date for new Air Force One jets, official says

4)reuters.com/business/autos…

The current Air Force One aircraft, two modified Boeing 747-200Bs designated VC-25A, entered service in 1990 and are increasingly insufficient for the President's needs due to several factors:
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• Aging Technology and Maintenance Challenges: The VC-25As are over 30 years old, making maintenance costly and complex. Spare parts are harder to source, and the aircraft's systems, including avionics and communication technologies,
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are outdated compared to modern standards, limiting their ability to support the President's need for secure, real-time global connectivity.
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• Space and Capability Limitations: The VC-25As, while spacious, lack the capacity and flexibility of newer aircraft like the Boeing 747-8-based VC-25Bs. The President requires onboard facilities for secure communications, defense systems, medical support, and
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accommodations for staff, press, and security. The older aircraft struggle to integrate modern upgrades efficiently due to their dated design.
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• Operational Efficiency: The VC-25As are less fuel-efficient and have a shorter range than newer models like the 747-8, which impacts mission planning for long-range international trips. Modern aircraft offer improved performance, reducing operational costs over time.
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• Security and Defense Upgrades: Evolving global threats require advanced defensive systems, such as improved missile countermeasures and electromagnetic pulse protection. The VC-25As cannot easily accommodate these upgrades,
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whereas the VC-25Bs are designed with enhanced security features to meet current and future threats.
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• Reliability Concerns: The aging airframes have experienced reliability issues, including high-profile incidents like system failures during presidential travel. These risks are unacceptable for the President's safety and mission continuity.
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The new VC-25Bs, ordered in February 2018 was expected to enter service by December 2024 for the first aircraft. This timeline was part of the $3.9 billion fixed-price agreement negotiated during the Trump administration.
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However, multiple delays have pushed the expected delivery dates much later, now projected for 2027 for the first aircraft and 2028 or later for the other, with some sources suggesting delays could extend to 2029 or beyond.
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address these deficiencies with modern technology, greater range, enhanced security, and improved reliability to meet the demands of the President's role in a rapidly changing world.

New Air Force One May Not Fly Until 2029: White House Official

16)simpleflying.com/air-force-one-…

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