https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/th...r-f-1797440029

Recall the days before Donald Trump was the president. He tweeted a lot. And one
of the things he tweeted about was how Boeing’s new versions of Air Force One
were too expensive to build and to cancel the order.

It seems that the U.S. Air Force allegedly found a solution to this problem,
according to Defense One, which cites unnamed sources familiar with the issue.
It is reportedly buying two Boeing 747s “abandoned by a bankrupt Russian
airline.” The deal could be announced by the Pentagon as early as this week.

[Clarification: the 747s were ordered by now-bankrupt Russian airline Transaero
but it never took delivery. The planes are unused.]

From the story:

"The Air Force is not expected to disclose the specific value of the contract,
but officials said that the military is getting a good deal on the planes.
Boeing lists the average sticker price of a 747-8 as $386.8 million; the actual
amount paid by airlines and other customers varies with quantities,
configurations, and so forth.

“We’re still working toward a deal to provide two 747-8s to the Air Force — this
deal is focused on providing a great value for the Air Force and the best price
for the taxpayer,” Boeing spokeswoman Caroline Hutcheson said in a statement to
Defense One.

The two planes, numbered N894BA and N895BA, were flown last to the Southern
California Logistics Airport in Victorville in February. As Defense One points
out, this facility includes an aircraft boneyard that holds retired commercial
aircraft.

The unnamed sources told Defense One that, “Boeing has been paying to store the
two 747s in new condition while searching for a buyer, which allowed the Air
Force to negotiate a good deal for them.”

The USAF bargain-shopped repo’ed jets for Air Force One? Sounds like a good deal
to me. A great one, even.

Of course, Air Force One isn’t just a regular 747. It’s been extensively
modified to include living quarters for the president, office and food prep
areas, state-of-the-art navigation systems and electronic and communications
equipment. It has a longer range and is capable of aerial refueling. It has
defensive countermeasures that include the ability to deflect heat-seeking
missiles.

The latest version of Air Force One won’t be used until 2024. Which means that
Trump will get to ride around in his bargain planes only if he gets elected for
a second term.

[UPDATE 5:25 p.m.] Headline has been updated from The USAF Bargain-Shopped Old
Jets From Russia For Air Force One: Report to The USAF Bargain-Shopped
Undelivered Jets From Russia For Air Force One: Report





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