Boeing has been assigned to build the next generation of Air Force One, the American manufacturer just tweeted. “We are providing American Presidents with a flying White House at outstanding value to taxpayers. President Trump negotiated a good deal on behalf of the American people,” Boeing proudly announced.
Deputy Press Secretary Hogan Gidley gave more information on the deal: “President Trump has reached an informal deal with Boeing on a fixed price contract for the new Air Force One Program. Thanks to the President’s negotiations, the contract will save the taxpayers more than $1.4 billion.”
The totality of the new deal is $3.9 billion, originally the deal for the two Air Force One aircraft and the development program was estimated at $5 billion.
“If necessary, contract changes will be managed through over and above contract line items that will be negotiated concurrently with this final contract. The contract ensures quality and safety will not be compromised.”
President Trump wants his new Air Force One fleet ready by 2021, the year that a new president is elected or the current one is re-elected.
Wasn’t the initial idea to use two 747-8i aircraft sold to a bankrupt Russian airline (Transaero)? Is it still the case? Is that the reason for the price discount?