The White House confirmed that it signed a contract with Boeing, worth US$ 3,9 billion, for the construction of two Air Force One aircraft, in a new project based on the 747-8i, larger and more powerful than the current 747. -200.
Air Force One is an aircraft with special modifications, with the purpose of transporting the president of the United States, due to the particularities of the project that mix characteristics of military and civil aircraft.
According to White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, the two aircraft will be delivered in 2024, after modifications, and several reliability tests, including a certification for military use.
The 747-8i will undergo a complete modification, the contract provides for an executive interior, in addition to a high-level self-defense system, state-of-the-art communication devices on board, medical facilities, among other features.
Currently the American Air Force uses two Boeing 747-200B aircraft with modifications for the main transport of the North American president, these planes have almost 30 years of use. The USAF even has a presidential Boeing 757 to serve flights to smaller airports.
The livery of the new Air Force One will be changed to include all the colors of the United States flag on the fuselage, red, dark blue and white.
