Trump's new Air Force One jet 'comes from Russia'
US Air Force reportedly buying planes from bankrupt Transaero Airlines to cut down costs
Donald Trump's desire to drive down the cost of a new fleet of Air Force One jets could have unexpected consequences: the replacement aircraft may have once been destined for a Russian airline.
According to reports, the US Air Force have been looking for a cheaper option after Trump complained that costs had got "out of control".
A source told AFP they are now close a deal to buy two Boeing 747s originally ordered by Transaero Airlines, says The Guardian.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Defense One reports the planes were abandoned by the Russian airline when it went bankrupt in 2015 and are sitting in the Mojave Desert in southern California. A final deal could be announced by the Pentagon this week.
The average price of the Boeing 747-8 on which the US Air Force will base the presidential plane is $386.8m (£292.3m). It is not known how much the Russian cast-offs would cost.
To prepare the aircraft for Trump and his successors, engineers will add "state-of-the-art communications system, defensive countermeasures and hardening to withstand an electromagnetic pulse caused by a nuclear explosion", Defense One says.
According to The Hill, officials plan to spend $3.2bn (£2.4bn) on the makeover.
The current Air Force One jets have served presidents since George HW Bush in 1990. However, if Trump wishes to fly in the new fleet, he will have to win a second term - the aircraft aren't due to enter service until 2022.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - September 15, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - growing GOP concerns, a NYC dumpster fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 vice-laden cartoons about Dick Cheney
Cartoons Artists take on joyful feelings, dark endorsements, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Discover Ravenna's glittering treasures
The Week Recommends The 'magical' town is home to magnificent churches and excellent restaurants
By The Week UK Published
-
Is the media 'sanewashing' Trump?
Talking Points Critics say there's a disconnect between 'reality and reported news'
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Harris baits, debates Trump in feisty Philly face-off
Speed Read The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris quickly grew combative
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'This failure to reach out to the entire 9/11 community is unacceptable'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Tucker Carlson's WWII interview fractures conservatives
Talking Points Holocaust revisionism forces 'introspection' in right-wing media
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Why is a government shutdown possible before the election?
Today's Big Question A fight over immigration, spending and the future of House Speaker Mike Johnson
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Trump ups threatening rhetoric before debate
Tonight marks the first presidential debate between Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
When families cross the aisle against presidential candidates
In The Spotlight Tim Walz's cousins, Donald Trump's niece and nephew, RFK Jr.'s siblings: When it comes to running for office, blood is not necessarily thicker than water
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'The Gish Gallop will certainly play a major role'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published