Planes built for Russian airline to carry U.S. president
U.S. officials are set to purchase and transform a pair of Boeing planes built for a now-bankrupt Russian airline into two new Air Force One aircraft — after Donald Trump complained about the “outof-control” costs of building them from scratch.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the U.S. Air Force could announce a deal to buy the two Boeing 747-8 commercial planes by the end of this week. The planes were ordered but never delivered to Transaero. The Russian airline filed for bankruptcy in 2015.
While it’s unlikely the Air Force will disclose the terms of the deal, the cost of the two planes will be “significantly lower” than their usual $386.6-million price tag, according to a source.
On Dec. 6, Trump tweeted that he was displeased with the $4 billion he said it would cost the U.S. to have Boeing build a new Air Force One. “Cancel order,” he wrote. The planes are ready to use, a source said, but upon delivery the Air Force will upgrade the jets to include a defence system that can withstand electromagnetic pulses and dodge incoming missiles. Inside, communications systems will be installed alongside conference rooms and medical facilities.
Because of the time required to install the modifications, Trump will be able to fly in the new planes only if he’s elected to a second term.