President-elect Donald Trump wants Boeing Co. to stop building the new plane Air Force One, saying that the “costs are out of control” in a tweet Monday morning.
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
“The plane is totally out of control,” Trump told reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower Monday. “It’s going to be over $4 billion for Air Force One program and I think it’s ridiculous. 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,” Trump said.
It’s unclear where the “more than $4 billion” estimate comes from, or what order Trump is referring to. The White House made an urgent request for planes to replace the existing aircraft, which will be 30 years old next year, in November. After a certain age, it costs more to maintain an aircraft than to replace it.
Boeing said it is under contract with the government for $170 million, and the project to replace Air Force One is in its second phase.
“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,” Boeing said in a statement. “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.”
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with comments from Boeing.
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