P. M. BRIEFING : Delivery of Boeing 747 Jet Modified for Presidential Use Delayed Again
WASHINGTON — Delivery of the first of two high-tech Boeing 747 jetliners assigned to shuttle U.S. Presidents around the world has been delayed again until at least the middle of next year, the Air Force said today.
“We’re not going to make this year’s November deadline,†Lt. Col. Darrell Hayes said. “Boeing, the Air Force and the (Federal Aviation Administration) are now working on a firm delivery date of mid-1990 or later.â€
The first of the two new White House aircraft, which will be designated Air Force One when the President is aboard, was originally scheduled for delivery last November.
But that date was subsequently delayed a year until this November by wiring problems and fire-control regulations for the jets, which are much bigger than the aging Boeing 707s used by President Bush.
The 747s, being modified at a total cost of $249 million, will include 238 miles of electric wiring and amenities from an exotic television system to 85 telephones and giant food storage compartments.
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