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Air Force One
- President Donald Trump elaborated on his plans for an Air Force One upgrade, announcing that the new billion-dollar presidential planes will boast enhanced interiors and exteriors.
- Trump said he saved the US $1.5 billion on the $3.9 billion deal with Boeing for two new presidential aircraft.
- "Air Force One is going to be incredible. It's gonna be the top of the line, the top in the world. And it's gonna be red, white and blue," Trump told CBS News.
President Donald Trump elaborated on his plans for an Air Force One upgrade, announcing that the new billion-dollar presidential planes will boast enhanced interiors and exteriors.
"Boeing gave us a good deal, and we were able to take that," Trump told CBS News anchor Jeff Glor, adding that he saved the US government $1.5 billion on the $3.9 billion "fixed price contract" with Boeing. "But I said, 'I wonder if we should use the same baby blue colors?' And we're not."
Trump said the two new planes will feature a more patriotic paint job - a change from the current blue and white color scheme.
"Red, white and blue," Trump said. "Air Force One is going to be incredible. It's gonna be the top of the line, the top in the world. And it's gonna be red, white and blue, which I think is appropriate."
Trump also reportedly wants to make his bed on the presidential plane larger and more comfortable.
Trump claimed the new planes will likely not be ready during his presidency, and will largely benefit future presidents, but the president has reportedly requested that they be finalized and delivered by 2021.
"I hate to say this, it's gonna be a long time," Trump said. "It's a very complex project. But by the time it gets built, you're gonna have many presidents, hopefully, use it and enjoy it."
Shortly after his election, Trump complained that Boeing was over charging the US for the new plane, and pressured the aerospace company to cut costs in what has been a years-long negotiation.
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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