Boeing 747-8 To Replace Existing Air Force One Planes

The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that it had selected Boeing 747-8 to replace the Boeing 747-200 aircraft that serves as Air Force One for the US president.

Pentagon has neither specified the number of aircrafts nor when the aircraft will enter service. The two modified Boeing 747-200 planes that were used by the president are due to reach their 30 year planned 30 year life in 2017. The USAF had allotted $1.65 billion between 2015 and 2019 for two replacement jets. Boeing has not yet secured a contract.

 “The presidential aircraft is one of the most visible symbols of the United States of America and the office of the president of the United States,” Deborah Lee James, the secretary of the air force, was quoted as saying by Financial Times.

“The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States that meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission,” she added.