Claiming the costs are out of control, President Elect Trump tweeted that he might cancel future plans to buy two new Air Force Ones from Boeing. The current estimated cost for two presidential 747’s is $4.2 billion dollars, or $2.1 billion per plane. In reality, the actual final cost of the project for two Boeing 747’s had not been determined by the Pentagon. Earlier in 2016, Boeing was awarded a $170 million dollar contract to “determine the capabilities” of a new Presidential jet based on an existing 747-800 platform which has been flying since 2010. For comparison, Boeing sells a brand new 747-800 to its airline customers for about 357 million, less than 1/5th the cost of the estimated price of one Presidential plane.
The Pentagon says the current fleet “faces capability gaps, rising maintenance costs, and parts obsolescence as it reaches the end of its planned 30-year life-cycle.” Some critics wonder if this is the case, then why would they choose the aging 747 frame for aircraft they hope to last 30 years as opposed to a newer platform such as the 787?
Regardless of the future decision, the fact that Trump has started to look out for American taxpayers is a very good sign.
TweetBoeing 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) December 6, 2016
