Boeing tapped for Air Force One replacement

9 years ago | Posted in: World | 788 Views

WASHINGTON — The president of the United States will continue to be flown in an American-made plane, as the U.S. Air Force has announced the next presidential aircraft will be a Boeing 747-8.

In a statement announcing the selection, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James called the presidential aircraft “one of the most visible symbols of the United States of America and the office of the president of the United States.”

“The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that) when fully missionized meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest,” James said.

The president is flown in a heavily modified Boeing 747-200B. When he is on board the plane, it is known as Air Force One.

The selection of Boeing is not a shock, given the desire for a four-engine aircraft that met the criteria. The only two companies with realistic offerings for the program were Boeing and Airbus, whose A380 is manufactured in Toulouse, France.

It was always unlikely the service would select a European manufacturer to shuttle around the U.S. president — something James’ statement hinted at.

The selection of the 747-8 is a much-needed boost for Boeing. In December, Boeing announced it would slow production on the 747-8 down to 16 a year, a drop from 24 per year in 2013.

source: usatoday

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