The US Air Force said on Wednesday it would use Boeing Co’s (BA.N) commercial 747-8 airliner to replace its current fleet of two Air Force One presidential aircraft, one of the most visible symbols of the United States.
The decision comes a month after Boeing said it would slow production of the four-engine 747-8 aircraft to 1.3 a month from 1.5 a month because of declining orders.
“The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that) when fully missionised meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah James in a statement.
Boeing welcomed the Air Force’s decision to skip a competition and opt for the 747-8, citing its 50-year history of building presidential aircraft.
The Air Force said it intended to award a sole source contract to Boeing, but they must still negotiate a contract and the modifications needed to adapt the jet for presidential use.
