Trump Makes Choice To Build Air Force One

(RTTNews) - Air plane maker Boeing has reached a new deal worth $3.9 billion with President Donald Trump for new Air Force One.

"Boeing is proud to build the next generation of Air Force One, providing American Presidents with a flying White House at outstanding value to taxpayers. President Trump negotiated a good deal on behalf of the American people," Boeing tweeted.

"President Trump has reached an informal deal with Boeing on a fixed price contract for the new Air Force One Program," a White House spokesman said, according to CNBC. "Thanks to the President's negotiations, the contract will save the taxpayers more than $1.4 Billion."

The deal between the Trump administration and Boeing is expected to total $3.9 billion.

According to CNBC, the two planes were originally supposed to be sold to Russia, however, the deal fell through, and the US Air Force acquired the aircraft at a slightly discounted price. The planes never left U.S. soil, the Air Force said.

In December 2016, Trump had complained about the $4 billion-plus projected cost of building a new Air Force One plane.

"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!" Trump had tweeted then.

Meanwhile, the White House is claiming that this new deal has savings worth over $1 billion from the original estimate of $5 billion.