Trump seeks cancellation of Air Force One order

Donald Trump, US president-elect, says the cost of ordering a new Air Force One – official plane used to convey the American president is too much.

Boeing is building a brand new 747 Air Force One for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2016

“Boeing is building a brand new 747 airforce one for future presidents, but costs are out of control, more than $4 billion. Cancel order,” Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

But in a statement following Trump’s tweet, Boeing said it was already in a $170 million contract with the US government on the Air Force One programme.

“We are currently under contract for $170 million to help determine the capabilities of these complex military aircraft that serve the unique requirements of the President of the United States,” the statement read.

Boeing explained that they were working to deliver the best planes for the president “at the best value for the American taxpayer.”

Speaking with journalists, Trump said spending $4 billion for the Air Force One programme was ridiculous.

“The plane is totally out of control. It’s going to be over $4 billion for Air Force One program, and I think it’s ridiculous,” he said.

“I think Boeing is doing a little bit of a number. We want Boeing to make a lot of money, but not that much money.”