L'USAF confirme que la commande pour remplacer les 2 747-200 (VC-25) sera placé en 2016. Livraison en 2018 et mise en service en 2023. Reste à déterminer le modèle et la quantité. Parions que le 747-8I a une longueur d'avance mais peut-être que le 777-300ER a une chance, si l'USAF veut privilégier la quantité d'appareils au dépend de la grosseur.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-sees-strong-demand-for-new-aircraft-1418127017
http://www.wsj.com/articles/boeing-sees-strong-demand-for-new-aircraft-1418127017
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Air Force said it expected to purchase in fiscal year 2016 a yet-to-be-determined number of aircraft to serve as the next-generation presidential transport, Air Force One, replacing the aging pair of heavily modified 747-200s in use since 1990. The replacement jets would be handed over two years later with first operations in fiscal year 2023. Maintaining the presidential transport contract has long been a strategic goal for Boeing, but the 747-8 isn’t a shoo-in, said the spokeswoman, as “a number of aircraft may be viable replacement options.”