According to the White House, the deal will save US taxpayers more than $1.4 billion.
US President Donald Trump has agreed a deal with Boeing for two new Air Force One aircraft, a deal worth a little under $4 billion.
According to Fox News, Trump has agreed an “informal” deal on a fixed price contract for the Air Force One programme that will cost $3.9 billion for two aircraft and “things unique to Air Force One such as a communications suite, internal and external stairs, large galleys and other equipment”.
Although negotiations with Boeing began before Trump took office, the White House says that the original estimate for the cost of the deal was over $5 billion and that the contract will save taxpayers more than $1.4 billion “thanks to the president’s negotiations”.
In December 2016, shortly before he was inaugurated as President, Trump tweeted that Boeing was building a new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but said that the costs were “out of control” and threatened to cancel the order.
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016
On Tuesday, Boeing stated that Trump “negotiated a good deal on behalf of the American people” and posted an artist’s rendering of the new aircraft, one that may not reflect the finished product.
Boeing is proud to build the next generation of Air Force One, providing American Presidents with a flying White House at outstanding value to taxpayers. President Trump negotiated a good deal on behalf of the American people. pic.twitter.com/m0HtGfXVlv
— The Boeing Company (@Boeing) February 27, 2018
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