The US Air Force's new Air Force One, which performs the presidential transport, has officially been delayed on schedule.
The information was confirmed by a USAF lieutenant general, according to the Defense One website, which talks about the delivery of the two aircraft in 2024, but with a delay. The reason is the bankruptcy of one of the project's suppliers.
GDC Technics was to supply the entire VIP interior of Air Force One, custom designed and meeting White House and Air Force requirements. However, the company did not meet the delivery deadline for the interior, as well as its installation.
“Obviously, we will have to look at the timeline [and] pragmatically. Boeing is working hard, they have identified another supplier, we are going to transfer as much of the interior work as possible”, said Lieutenant General Duke Richardson.
Even facing financial difficulties, the parent company of GDC Technics, Oriole Capital Group said it is faithfully committed to the 'Air Force One' project. Oriole will be at the forefront of negotiations to resolve all GDC's financial problems, so that problems do not affect the progress of the project.
Boeing is already talking about choosing another supplier to solve the problem about the delay of Air Force One. The GDC, on the other hand, asks Boeing to pay US$ 20 million in advance.
“Boeing is hard at work, they have identified another supplier, we are going to transfer as much of the work inland as possible”Richardson said.
The Air Force's contract requires the company, not the government, to pay for any cost overruns in building the aircraft, as well as delays.
In July 2018, Boeing was contracted for $3,9 billion to build two 747-8s. to be used as the new US presidential plane, scheduled for delivery in 2024.
