A new Helio Courier, the first in more than 30 years, is the ambitious goal for a couple of Alaska men.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/polls-quizzes/poll-is-an-interim-air-force-one-a-good-idea
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/polls-quizzes/poll-is-an-interim-air-force-one-a-good-idea
Boeing has got to learn that they do not have a blank check from the government. The current project is billions over cost and over a decade behind schedule. Why? They should be held to the original cost and timing, or be faced with penalties, or better yet, cancellation of the contract with a full refund to the government. Then we go look for a company that will actually build the planes.
Boeing used to be the top aircraft supplier in the world. Since their merger/buyout by McDonnell Douglas, their reputation and quality have put them way down the list.
There might be a rest of the story here such as changing and additional requirements for the airplane.
It’s going to take million$ and a few years to upgrade the Qatari 747 to the military standards needed for a true AF1 replacement. Given government contracting processes, is the interim AF1 going to be completed before the “proper” AF1s are delivered?
They should only proceed with the interim AF1 if they cancel the Boeing AF1 contract and make the interim AF1 the permanent replacement.
After all, the Trump administration is all about saving the taxpayers money, right?
I though they were supposed to be trying to save money and be more efficient. Let him fly commercial on coach or upgrade to first class with his own funds. Or if he absolutely needs his own plane,buy a used Cirrus. Or maybe just take Amtrak.
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Usually an “interim” something is to bridge a gap between when the old thing is retired and the new thing comes on line. Last I saw, the President is still taking AF1 to the golf course every weekend, so one has to wonder what an interim AF1 is needed for.
They are already working on a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) type of contract where Boeing pays for the overruns. That being said, I work for the government, and the government did a very stupid thing and asked for the aircraft to meet current airworthiness standards instead of allowing for the grandfathered standards. That requirement alone is responsible for a huge part of the delay.
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