New leader appointed for Boeing's Air Force One project amid financial challenges

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New leader appointed for Boeing's Air Force One project amid financial challenges

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Air Force One | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Jun 25, 2025

Boeing has appointed Steve Sullivan, a former Northrop Grumman executive, to lead the Air Force One program. This change was reported by Breaking Defense, which cited an internal email about the leadership shift.

Sullivan previously led the B-21 Raider program at Northrop Grumman. Jamie Burgess, Boeing’s vice president of bombers, mobility, and surveillance division, communicated this development to members of the VC-25B program via email on June 25, 2025.

Boeing's Air Force One project has faced significant financial challenges. The company acknowledged that the program is billions in deficit. The contract for two executive jets was secured in 2018 under a $3.9 billion deal during President Donald Trump's administration. Trump had expressed impatience with the progress and had tasked Elon Musk with reviewing the program.

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The current VC-25A jets are based on outdated 747-200 series aircraft. The new VC-25Bs being refitted will include advanced technology updates at Boeing’s Texas facility. Additionally, a civilian Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) specified 747-8 from Qatar was accepted as a gift by the Department of Defense to serve as an interim Air Force One until completion of the new jets.

Steve Sullivan takes over from Greg Coffey as the outgoing manager transitions to become deputy program manager for the T-7A future training jet development. In his memo to staff, Burgess stated: “We are confident that Steve’s leadership and problem-solving skills will benefit the VC-25B program as he takes on this new challenge.”

Despite Boeing's status as a leading aerospace manufacturer and defense supplier, it faces production delays across various programs like the 737 MAX and 777X due to safety audits and certification issues.

Sullivan’s experience with successful programs at Northrop Grumman could be pivotal for Boeing's troubled VC-25B initiative. His previous projects include steering both the B-21 Raider and X-47B programs toward significant achievements recognized by the Department of Defense.