Boeing Co. has secured a contract from the Pentagon to start development work on the 747-8 jumbo jets that would replace planes used as the presidential aircraft Air Force One.

The US Air Force last year said Boeing would build the planes to replace the two aging 747-200 jets now earmarked for use by the Commander In Chief. Boeing was the sole bidder, and the initial $25.6 million contract awarded on Friday is to map out how the program can meet cost and performance criteria.

The Pentagon hasn’t disclosed the expected cost of the two new planes, which experts said would include sophisticated communications equipment and other upgrades such as antimissile devices. Earlier budget estimates put the cost at more than $1.6 billion.

Source: MENA