As I understand it, a NEW AF1 has been purchased. I seriously doubt it will be trimmed with gold, even at the multiple billion dollar price tag.
The costs of keeping the Tbird going is ongoing regardless of the Presidential race. I’m just amazed that anybody has that kind of energy. I couldn’t do it!
If he runs government the way he runs business, inefficiency of government will be a thing of the past! That’ll be good to see, ya think?
I have doubts.
The two 747’s that currently serve as Air Force One (any plane the president rides on is called Air Force One), came into service in 1990. They are 26 years old.
The Air Force requires that the presidential jet have 4 engines. The only 2 models of airliners still being made with 4 engines are the Boeing 747-800 and the AirBus A380. The president is not going to use an AirBus as the presidental jet, so 747 it is for a replacement.
The problem is, the 747-800 is not selling very well. The 777 is getting all the sales because it is more fuel efficient and only requires maintenance on 2 engines instead of 4. Boeing has ramped down 747 production to 6 per year. The assembly line will probably close down for good in a few years.
The Air Force will probably order the last two 747-800 that come off the assembly line at Boeing.The new presidental jets will probably be in service around 2020 or 2022.