Re: an Air Force One replacement:
Originally Posted by
moondog
Those guys are still playing Boeing and Airbus off of each other. While many Americans will be pissed if the latter gets the contract, I support the company that can offer us (tax payers) the best value.
The government has issued RFIs to Boeing and Airbus, but Airbus has said it's not interested in responding. Obviously they think there's no chance a European company can win a contest to transport a US president. You won't see Audi building presidential limousines either.
The current SAM 742s in presidential service will be 30 years old in a few years, they started duty in 1988 or '89 (I don't think Reagan ever had the 742s), which will be somewhat longer than the 707s were around. I suspect that when they announce the 748 line closure, the Air Force will negotiate to take up the last few slots for presidential transport and E-4 (NEAP / "doomsday aircraft") replacements. That will keep the 747 planform in the public eye through 2050 or so, long after most airlines have retired theirs.