Air Force One Delays Worsen as Boeing Battles Interior Design Issues

Boeing's long-delayed Air Force One program has hit yet another roadblock as interior design problems continue to plague the project. According to a recent Pentagon report, the VC-25B cabin design remains behind schedule due to unresolved technical and certification issues.

The report, released on August 3, 2026, states that the design maturity for the aircraft interior continues to lag due to numerous technical and certification issues. This has resulted in inefficient engineering work and repeated changes to parts of the airplanes that Boeing had already begun modifying.

The Air Force is working towards delivery of the first VC-25B in 2028, but the report warns that this target may be difficult to meet if more unexpected work emerges or testing takes longer than expected. Boeing has already recorded a $280 million loss on the program during the second quarter after adding production and certification resources in an effort to protect the schedule.

The problems with the interior design date back several years, with Boeing losing its original cabin supplier, GDC Technics, in 2021. The transition to a new supplier has slowed down the design and certification process, resulting in further delays.