Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has revealed that Elon Musk is playing a crucial role in addressing delays in the production and delivery of the new Air Force One jets. Speaking at the Barclays Industrial Select Conference, Ortberg acknowledged that the SpaceX CEO is helping Boeing navigate complex technical requirements, speeding up the process, and mitigating further cost overruns.
Musk’s Influence on Boeing’s Air Force One Challenges
Boeing, which has been struggling with production setbacks, is under pressure to deliver the highly anticipated Air Force One planes. The company has faced multiple crises, including supply chain disruptions, financial losses, and production delays. However, Ortberg noted that Musk’s expertise in aerospace and engineering has provided valuable insights, allowing Boeing to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
“Elon Musk is actually helping us a lot in working through the requirements so that we can move faster and get the president those airplanes delivered,” Ortberg said. “He’s a brilliant guy and can quickly distinguish between essential technical requirements and those that can be streamlined.”
Musk’s involvement may come as a surprise, given that SpaceX is a competitor in the aerospace industry. However, his reputation for pushing innovation and efficiency seems to be making a difference in Boeing’s efforts to keep the Air Force One project on track.
Air Force One Delays Could Stretch Into 2029
Despite Musk’s assistance, Boeing is still grappling with significant challenges. Earlier this week, a senior U.S. administration official indicated that the delivery of the new Air Force One jets might be postponed until 2029 or even later. Supply chain bottlenecks and logistical issues have further complicated the project.
Former President Donald Trump, who initially negotiated a $3.9 billion deal with Boeing in 2018 to replace the aging presidential aircraft, has expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing delays. He recently stated that if Boeing fails to deliver on time, alternative solutions might be considered.
FAA and Transportation Secretary to Assess Boeing’s Progress
In an effort to address ongoing concerns, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau are expected to visit Boeing’s facilities in Seattle in March. This visit is seen as an effort to assess the company’s progress, particularly regarding its best-selling 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner production lines.
Ortberg remains optimistic about Boeing’s ability to increase production, despite the hurdles. His primary goal is to scale up manufacturing to 38 jets per month while managing contract obligations that have burdened Boeing’s defense sector with substantial financial losses.
Factory Fire Adds to Boeing’s Troubles
Adding to Boeing’s woes, a recent fire at SPS Technologies, a Pennsylvania-based supplier that manufactures critical fasteners for the company’s aircraft, has further disrupted operations. While Ortberg assured investors that key shipments were intact and stored in a warehouse, the fire has delayed their transportation.
“We have a lot of components that come out of that factory,” Ortberg said. “A big shipment meant for us is done and safe, but we can’t get it out right now.”
Boeing’s Future Hinges on Overcoming Supply Chain Woes
As Boeing struggles to navigate its latest setbacks, Musk’s involvement presents a unique twist in the aerospace industry. His contributions may help streamline Air Force One production, but it remains uncertain whether this intervention will be enough to keep the project on schedule.
With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and supply chain disruptions persisting, Boeing’s ability to overcome these challenges will determine its standing in the aerospace industry in the coming years.
