Citing cost overruns, Trump says Boeing's contract to build Air Force One should be canceled

As President-elect Donald Trump's tweet puts Air Force One in the headlines, here's a look at the presidential plane through the years.

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Tuesday morning that Boeing's contract to build the next Air Force One should be canceled because of cost overruns.

"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!"

Later, speaking to reporters at Trump Tower, Trump elaborated on his tweet.

“The plane 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 said. "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 won the contract in January 2015. But it wasn't much of a competition. Boeing's 747-8 was the only plane made in the United States that could meet the requirements for the presidential aircraft while also being "consistent with the national public interest," Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said in a statement at the time.

She insisted that the Pentagon "will insist upon program affordability through cost-conscious procurement practices."

Boeing released a statement Monday morning:

“We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serves the unique requirements of the President of the United States. We look forward to working with the US 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.”

The Air Force didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with the Teal Group, said Trump's tweet was "completely nonsensical and based on exactly nothing. But it's very difficult to adjudicate on complicated program management and military requirements questions with Twitter as your medium."

"Air Force One has unique communications, safety and self-protection features so that the president can function under the most trying circumstances — like nuclear war," Loren Thompson, a defense consultant said. "The price tag is driven by the demands of the mission."

The plane is expected to reach its initial operational capability by 2023.

The Associated Press contributed reporting

Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-trump-boeing-tweet-air-force-one-20161206-story.html