The Trump administration has eased security requirements for some of the Boeing staff working on building new Air Force One jets, as part of an effort pushed by President Trump and Elon Musk to hasten the delayed project.
The change means that certain mechanics and others working on less sensitive parts of the planes or their components will not be required to get a special high-level security clearance, a process that has slowed Boeing’s ability to hire required staff for the job.
Those working on the Air Force One project will still be required to get security clearance, but some will no longer need to have the so-called Yankee White clearance, which applies to White House staff members who often come in close contact with the president. Boeing job postings no longer appear to mention that the Yankee White level of clearance is required.
The New York Times reported last month that Mr. Musk was pushing for the shift. The policy change was earlier reported by Aviation Week and confirmed by a Pentagon official.
Mr. Trump has been quite vocal about his frustration with Boeing. The company signed a contract in 2018 for the new planes, which were supposed to be finished by the end of last year. The Air Force now projects they might not be complete until 2028 or later.
Deborah VanNierop, a Boeing spokeswoman, said she could not comment on any changes made in the security requirements for the project, but said that “Boeing continues to operate to the security requirements” of the Air Force for the project.
Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s chief executive, said last month that he welcomed the help from Mr. Musk to find ways to speed up the project.
“I’m all in on trying to pull these airplanes up and get the president the airplanes,” Mr. Ortberg said after The Times disclosed that one option under consideration was relaxing security requirements for certain workers.
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