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Trump Takes Shot At Boeing For New Air Force One Costs

CHICAGO (CBS) -- President-elect Donald Trump took aim at Chicago-based airline giant Boeing, complaining the future Air Force One costs too much.

The cost of the two new 747s, Trump says at over $4 billion, is out of control.

"Cancel order!" he wrote on Twitter.

Later, Trump told reporters the costs are ridiculous: "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."

Boeing is expected to deliver the 747-8 for presidential use in 2023, which would be toward the end of a second Trump administration. The current Air Force One, in use since 1990, is a Boeing 747-200.

According to the General Accounting Office, it will cost $3.2 billion to replace two aging models.

DePaul transportation expert Joe Schweiterman says the president-elect is playing to the crowd. But he says it's premature to kibosh the deal. The planes are hardly your standard, off-the-rack 747s, he notes.

The new Air Force One would be larger, faster and have a greater range than the current planes. It would also be more environmentally friendly, Boeing says.

As of 9:45 a.m., Boeing stock was down about $1, trading at $151.13 a share.

In a statement Tuesday morning, Boeing spokesman Todd Blecher said:

"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. We look forward to working with the U.S. Air Force on subsequent phases of the program allowing us to deliver the best planes for the President at the best value for the American taxpayer."

 

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