Boeing 747-8 Selected as Next Air Force One

摘要

Boeing was officially selected on January 28 to provide two modified 747-8 airliners to replace the current 'Air Force One' Boeing VC-25As, which are modified 747-200 airliners. Modification is scheduled to start in 2018. The new aircraft are planned to have 30-year service lives. The type had been in competition with the Airbus A380. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James said: "The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that), when fully missionised, meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest."