Boeing Expects More Costs on Presidential Jet Program While Targeting 2028 Delivery

Boeing expects additional cost overruns on the VC-25B program to deliver the first new presidential aircraft by 2028. Steve Parker, head of Boeing’s defense unit, told reporters the growth will occur during final assembly, wiring, structures work, and certification. He said the spending aims strictly at hitting the 2028 schedule.

Boeing remains responsible for all overruns under the firm, fixed-price contract signed in 2018 with a $3.9 billion ceiling. The Air Force has now awarded a $15.5 million modification for communications equipment, raising the cumulative contract value above $4.3 billion. The service projects the first aircraft arrival in mid-2028.

Parker declined to discuss the timing of any new charges because Boeing is in a quiet period before its second-quarter results on July 28. The company completed all engineering last year and has begun aircraft modifications, with testing set to start next year on the first jet. Parker said the priority is ensuring the planes meet every technical specification without compromise.

The program has already recorded roughly $2.8 billion in charges after technical setbacks and workforce challenges pushed delivery from the original 2024 date. As an interim step, a Boeing 747 donated by the Qatari royal family was delivered in June to serve as a bridge presidential transport. Boeing supplied engineering support on that aircraft, which L3Harris modified.