Trump Criticizes Boeing for Air Force One Costs

Trump has expressed his concerns over the cost of the new Air Force One in a tweet, but the manufacturer has maintained that it is offering value for money.

Donald Trump has called on the U.S. government to scrap its agreement with Boeing for the development of a new Air Force One fleet.

In a tweet on Tuesday, the president-elect expressed his concerns over the project’s financials. “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!,” he posted.

The aircraft manufacturer and the U.S. Air Force signed two deals earlier this year to design the planes’ maintenance, power, interior and electrical systems, but the military has not formally been awarded a contract to actually assemble any planes. According to the U.S. government’s Accountability Office, the total cost of refurbishment, as estimated through to the 2020 fiscal years, would cost about $3.2 billion.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two 747-200 planes dating from the 1980s. Boeing has said that it will be replacing these with two new 747-8 planes.

Following his tweet, USA Today reported that Trump told assembled press at Trump Tower, “The plane [Air Force One] is totally out of control. It’s going to be over $4 billion for Air Force One program and I think it’s ridiculous.”

He added, “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.”

Boeing, however, was quick to respond to Trump’s concerns.

In a statement, the manufacturer said, “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.”

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