Why's Boeing's New Air Force One Taking So Long?

So, I was reading that the new Air Force One jets, those Boeing VC-25Bs, are facing some serious delays. They're supposed to replace the old VC-25As that the US Air Force is using, but now it looks like they won't be ready until 2028 and 2029. Kinda crazy, right? I mean, the 747 isn't even in commercial production anymore, and we're still waiting for these presidential planes.

I get that these are super specialized aircraft with all sorts of unique requirements, but it feels like this project has been dragging on forever. Originally, they were supposed to be delivered by the end of 2024. That's a huge delay, and I can't help but wonder what's going on behind the scenes. Is it just the complexity of the modifications, or are there other issues too?

Also, does anyone know if this affects the budget for the project? Delays usually mean more costs, and I imagine this isn't cheap to begin with. Would love to hear what you all think about this whole situation. Are these delays typical for such high-profile government projects, or is this one particularly problematic?

Yeah, it's a massive delay, and you're right, it's not just about the complexity. I read that Boeing had some serious issues with their subcontractors and workforce shortages, especially after the pandemic hit. Plus, the security and communication systems for Air Force One have to be top-notch and cutting-edge, which takes time to integrate and test. These kinds of setbacks are common with military projects, but still, 2028-2029 is way further out than anyone expected. Curious if this will push them over budget too. Anyone got details on that?