Trump says Boeing's Air Force One order should be cancelled
[NEW YORK] President-elect Donald Trump said the latest Air Force One order should be cancelled, citing the high costs of converting the Boeing Co jumbo jet for presidential use.
"Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than US$4 billion," Mr Trump said Tuesday on Twitter.
"Cancel order!"
The Pentagon is looking to replace its aging fleet of Boeing 747-200 aircraft, which will reach the planned 30-year service life in 2017. Officials have said the next Air Force One jets are estimated to begin operations in fiscal 2023.
The Air Force expects the planes to have the range to fly between continents and comparable interiors to the current 747, whose features include work and sleeping quarters for the president and first family.
Boeing fell 0.7 per cent to US$151.07 before the start of regular trading in New York. A representative of the Chicago-based planemaker wasn't immediately available for comment.
BLOOMBERG
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Thailand to appoint former energy executive Pichai as finance minister, sources say
Consumer gulf widens as demand for premium and budget foods grows
‘To the Future’: Saudi Arabia spends big to become an AI superpower
Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir facing anti-graft probe in a case involving his sons
Overcrowded Venice introduces first payment charge for tourists
South Korea readies new system to detect illegal short-selling