Words Matter

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Boeing is working to fix any damage done by words from President-elect Donald Trump, who went on social media calling for the cancellation of the Boeing deal for the new fleet of Air Force Ones.  More from White House Correspondent April Ryan.


Boeing released a statement about the controversy:

“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.”

Meantime, Politifact cites the trade publication Defense One with more information about the replacement Air Force One project:

“Defense One reports, the two current Air Force Ones — a modified version of a Boeing 747-200 aircraft known as VC-25 — were purchased under President Ronald Reagan and were delivered in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush. With Boeing closing down its 747-200 production line 24 years ago, spare parts for the two current planes have become hard to find. And the plane is approaching the end of its expected 30-year life.

During his second term, President Barack Obama ordered a replacement fleet. (By tradition, a president does not order planes that he will expect to use personally.) Since the old model of the basic aircraft isn’t being made any longer, a new one had to be created. The new model will be based on the Boeing 747-8, with four engines and two floors.

Trump’s tweet referenced one plane, but the Air Force One program will actually produce two planes, not one. That allows one to undergo maintenance while the other one is available.

Of course, Air Force One is more than just a plane. It’s also a mobile command center, with state-of-the-art communications and safety features.”

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