Trump Says New Air Force One Order Should be Canceled

Citing a multibillion-dollar price tag, President-elect Donald Trump today posted a tweet calling for the cancellation of what he said was a government order for a new presidential jet from Boeing.

President-elect Donald Trump said:

“The plane is totally out of control. It’s going to be over $4 billion for Air Force One program and I think it’s ridiculous. I think Boeing is doing a little bit of a number. We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money.”

Shares of Boeing turned down 1% in premarket trade Tuesday.

Boeing today issued the following statement regarding the Air Force One program:

“We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the President of the United States. We look forward to working with the U.S. Air Force on subsequent phases of the program allowing us to deliver the best planes for the President at the best value for the American taxpayer.”

The manufacture of the presidential aircraft version of the 747 began during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. The USAF issued a Request For Proposal in 1985 for two wide-body aircraft with a minimum of three engines and an un-refueled range of 6,000 miles (9,700 km). Boeing with the 747 and McDonnell Douglas with the DC-10 submitted proposals, and the Reagan Administration ordered two identical 747s to replace the aging 707s he used.

The first of two aircraft, designated VC-25A, was delivered in 1990, during the administration of George H. W. Bush. The specially configured Boeing 747-200Bs are nearing the end of their planned 30-year lives. The first new Air Force One isn’t expected to be operational until 2019 or 2020.

The presidential air fleet is operated by the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Field, Maryland.

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