Darlene Costello, Acting Acquisition Secretary for USAF (US Air Force) told the House Armed Services Committee that Boeing requested another year to deliver the new VC-25B, the US presidential plane, better known as Air Force One.
The manufacturer cites difficulties with the COVID-19 pandemic and with a subcontractor. In July 2018, Boeing received a US$ 3.9 billion contract to manufacture two presidential 747-8s and deliver them in December 2024. Now, the manufacturer is asking for more time to deliver the jets. The current VC-25 is based on the 747-200B.
Costello added that the manufacturer sent a letter to the Air Force initiating the process of negotiating the readjustment of aircraft prices.
On April 08th, Boeing informed that it would file a lawsuit against GDC Technics, a Texas company contracted by the Seattle giant to carry out design and construction work on the interior of the VC-25Bs. According to Boeing, GDC would be a year behind schedule.
According to the portal aerotime hub, GDC filed a lawsuit back against Boeing, claiming it was "Boeing's mismanagement in completing two Air Force One presidential aircraft, not the delays caused by GDC, which caused a delay in completing these aircraft."
In the same month, GDC Technics filed for voluntary bankruptcy protection, Chapter 11, similar to the Brazilian Judicial Recovery Law. The dispute eventually led to Boeing filing a pre-tax charge of $318 million.
A Boeing spokesperson told Reuters: “We continue to make steady progress on these programs and are working closely with the United States Air Force.”
The new Air Force One will have an advanced radar system, a radar jamming system, flare and chaff countermeasures to protect it from heat or radar guided missiles, and very low frequency radio systems that allow it to communicate with submarines. submerged.
Read more about Air Force One clicking here.
