Boeing CEO assures Trump Air Force One affordable

The head of Boeing Co. met Wednesday with President-elect Donald Trump and said afterward that the manufacturer would build the next generation of Air Force One for less than the $4 billion that drew Trump’s ire.

Trump tweeted Dec. 6 that he would cancel the order for the aircraft because “costs are out of control.”

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenberg said he spoke with Trump in Florida about a variety of issues, including Air Force One.

“We’re going to get it done for less than that, and we’re committed to working together to make sure that happens,” Muilenberg said. “I was able to give the president-elect my personal commitment on behalf of the Boeing Co. This is a business that is important to us. We work on Air Force One because it’s important to our country and we’re going to make sure he gets the best capability, and that it’s done affordably.”

The undersecretary of defense approved the plan to replace Air Force One in September 2015, with a goal of having the new aircraft by 2024.

Boeing plans to replace two aging 747-200 aircraft that serve as the president’s fleet nicknamed Air Force One with two 747-8 planes. The aircraft are modified with electronics and security systems.

Boeing said in a statement after Trump’s tweet that its current deal for Air Force One development is worth $170 million.

"We look forward to working with the U.S. 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," Boeing said.

Muilenberg said Wednesday that construction hasn’t started, but Boeing is eager to have the business.

“We’re eager to get started on the program,” Muilenberg said. “Once we finalize the requirements, make sure it’s affordable, we’ll launch on building the airplane.”