U.S. Air Force picks Boeing 747-8 to replace Air Force One

[Sherman A1]

WASHINGTON • The U.S. Air Force said on Wednesday it would use Boeing Co.'s commercial 747-8 airliner to replace its current fleet of two Air Force One presidential aircraft, one of the most visible symbols of the United States.

The decision comes a month after Boeing said it would slow production of the four-engine 747-8 aircraft to 1.3 a month from 1.5 a month because of declining orders.

"The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that) when fully missionized meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission," said Air Force Secretary Deborah James in a statement.

Boeing welcomed the Air Force's decision to skip a competition and opt for the 747-8, citing its 50-year history of building presidential aircraft.

http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/u-s-air-force-picks-boeing---to-replace/article_bd454af6-2f30-58bd-ba1f-c84b53c2d695.html

[Angleae]

1. This has been expected for the past year.

The existing planes were put into service in 1990 and are getting up there in age. By the time the new planes are in service they'll be about 30 years old.

[Chakab]

2. Did anybody think that they were going to pick the A380?

Why is this even a headline?