The US Air Force on 28 January announced Boeing’s four-engined 747-8 Intercontinental airliner will serve as the next Air Force One, besting (beating?) the Airbus A380 as the next generation of aircraft specially outfitted to carry the US president.
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says “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, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest.”
The Air Force intends to purchase up to three 747-8s, but has not yet formalised a contract with Boeing. The decision was made through a "determinations and findings" document.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...ce-one-408408/
Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James says “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, while reflecting the office of the president of the United States of America consistent with the national public interest.”
The Air Force intends to purchase up to three 747-8s, but has not yet formalised a contract with Boeing. The decision was made through a "determinations and findings" document.
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...ce-one-408408/