Production issues at Boeing are reported to be the latest cause for lengthy delays on the two new presidential transports commonly known as Air Force One. In a damning report on April 5th, the Wall Street Journal disclosed a number of production mishaps that are likely to add further delays to the troubled program.
According to the journal, one of the 'mishaps' involved shifting the weight of the aircraft from a scaffold-like structure to jacks that were not designed to handle the weight.
Already expected to be delivered behind schedule, the program to replace the existing pair of Air Force Ones appears to be facing more challenges. According to the Wall Street Journal, there were two instances earlier this year where Boeing crews were quote-unquote "attempting to shift" the weight of one of the two jets to quote "jacks from a scaffold-like structure in the factory".
However, reports indicate that some of the jacks were holding significantly more weight than they were originally designed to support.
As a result, there was concern that the aircraft was damaged- particularly the aircraft's wings.
However, US Air Force confirmed to the Wall Street Journal that no damage to the jet was sustained.
Other Air Force One issues centered around improper employee certifications and a failure to follow procedures.
It was also noted that an employee involved in the work had failed a routine post-incident drug test.
The report notes that an Air Force spokeswoman said, "The situation was corrected and actions taken to prevent reoccurrence." The deal to purchase the two new Air Force One aircraft, designated as the Boeing VC-25B, was struck with Boeing by former President Trump in February 2018. While it was described as an 'informal deal,' it capped the price at $3.9 billion with delivery expected in 2024.
However, the program has been plagued by legal disputes with a key contractor, as well as other issues that have threatened to delay the progress of the project.
