Boeing’s new Air Force One risks delay over tight labor market -U.S. watchdog
By Costas Pitas
(Reuters) -The following-generation presidential plane being constructed by Boeing Co dangers additional delay as a result of a decent labor marketplace for mechanics and lower-than-expected safety clearance charges, the investigative arm of Congress stated on Wednesday.
The necessity for Boeing to modify to an alternate provider for some inside work was additionally cited within the report issued by the U.S. Authorities Accountability Workplace (GAO) as a significant schedule threat.
Air Pressure One – emblazoned with the American flag, the phrases “United States of America” and the seal of the workplace – is known the world over as an airborne White Home.
The present plane has 4,000 sq. ft (372 sq. meters) of area on three ranges, together with a convention room and medical suite.
The Boeing 747-8s are designed to have the ability to fly in worst-case safety situations comparable to nuclear warfare, and are modified with army avionics, superior communications and a self-defense system.
Boeing obtained a $3.9 billion contract in 2018 for 2 747-8 plane to be delivered round 2024. The Pentagon stated this 12 months that the planes usually are not more likely to be delivered till 2026.
“Boeing is experiencing plane mechanic workforce limitations as a result of a aggressive labor market,” GAO stated in its report. “They stated that a further limitation is lower-than-planned safety clearance approval charges for expert staff wanted to change the plane.”
Boeing stated it was targeted on delivering two distinctive airplanes.
“We proceed to make regular progress on the VC-25B program, whereas navigating by way of some challenges,” it stated in an announcement.
In December 2016, then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump extracted a promise from Boeing’s CEO on the time, Dennis Muilenburg, that the price of changing Air Pressure One wouldn’t exceed $4 billion.
The pink, white and darkish blue paint scheme prompt by Trump is also problematic.
“Additional evaluation concluded darker colours, amongst different elements, on the underside of the VC-25B plane may contribute to temperatures exceeding the present qualification limits of a small variety of elements,” an Air Pressure spokeswoman stated on Wednesday.
(Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles; Further reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Enhancing by David Gregorio, Leslie Adler and Kenneth Maxwell)
