Donald Trump, the newly elected President of the United States, has questioned the program for the acquisition of the new Air Force One, the country’s presidential plane. On twitter, Trump said that the value of the new aircraft proposed by Boeing, valued at more than $ 4 billion, “is out of control” and asks for cancellation of the order.
Talking with reporters this morning at the Trump Tower in New York, the new US president was even more emphatic: “The plan is totally out of control. The Air Force One program will cost more than $ 4 billion, and I find that ridiculous. I think Boeing can reduce that number. We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money, “said Trump, who will take over the White House on January 20, 2017.
Soon after, Trump’s spokesman, Jason Miller, gave another insight from the standpoint of the future US president. “Trump plans to scrutinize the Pentagon’s budget and find areas where it can be saved. People are really frustrated with some of the great values that are destined for other programs beyond this, “added Miller.
In an official statement, Boeing said it is currently working “to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that meet the unique requirements of the US president.” So far, this part of the project, which assesses the needs of the new aircraft, has already cost $ 170 million.
Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 6 de dezembro de 2016
“We look forward to working with the US Air Force in the subsequent phases of the program, which will enable us to deliver the best aircraft to the president at the best value to the American taxpayer,” concludes the note.
New Air Force One
In January 2015, Boeing was selected to develop the new generation of Air Force One, proposed on the 747-8 platform. Currently, the US Air Force (USAF) has two Boeing 747-200Bs in the presidential transport function. The aircraft debuted in 1990 and by the end of this decade they will have reached the limit of their cycles.
It is expected that the new jets will come on stream between 2019 and 2012. That if Trump does not suspend it …
Source: The Washington Post
