The US Air Force on Friday awarded Boeing a contract for two 747s that will be converted into presidential airlifters.
In a statement,Boeing opted not to reveal the value of the award, which came as a modification to a 2016 contract for risk reduction efforts with Boeing, because “price and other related details are commercial-competition sensitive” — meaning it could affect the company’s future deals with commercial airliners and other presumptive customers.
However, the Air Force was reportedly able to save a substantial amount on the future Air Force One planes because it purchased aircraft that had already been manufactured, but never delivered, to the original buyer — in this case, the bankrupt Russian airline Transaero.
The aircraft will undergo a series of modifications to suit it to White House requirements.
In March, following a series of requirements reviews, the White House reaffirmed the minimum set of requirements necessary to meet Presidential mission needs,” the Air Force said in its statement. “The resultant modifications to the aircraft will include incorporating a mission communications system, electrical power upgrades, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system and autonomous ground operations capabilities.”
Aircraft modifications are expected to begin in 2019, with initial operational capability following in 2024.