By 2020, Boeing faced difficulties staffing the San Antonio facility tasked with assembling the two VC-25B aircraft, the presidential transports for the United States. Defense One reported that the company published at least 11 job openings at the San Antonio site, inviting candidates to participate in the creation of a highly specialized aircraft described as a modernized “flying Oval Office.”
The advertised role emphasized that workers would contribute to building one of the nation’s most advanced aircraft and that daily tasks would test their skills. The project has long been shrouded in security, and recent reporting notes that Boeing completed several major design refinements on the first airframe and anticipated similar progress on the second before the spring deadline. These updates reflect ongoing, high-stakes engineering work under tight confidentiality.
Current assessments indicate a substantial wiring challenge remains, with more than two thousand wire harnesses requiring installation and a total harness length around 320 kilometers. That scale is nearly double what a standard commercial 747 would demand, underscoring the unprecedented complexity of the VC-25B program. The intensified security posture surrounding the operation further complicates recruitment and on-site work, as the project remains classified to protect national security interests.
Earlier disclosures highlighted safety and regulatory concerns at a Boeing factory linked to the presidential aircraft program. During inspections, some workers were found performing lifts with jacks that were not rated for the aircraft’s weight, while one individual failed to meet job qualifications and another tested positive for drugs. Such findings prompted warnings about the potential consequences of noncompliant actions, though no damage to the aircraft under construction was reported at that time. The United States Air Force reiterated the importance of strict adherence to procedures to safeguard the airplane and the broader program. (Defense One)