Following Trump meeting, Muilenburg praises 'progress on simplifying requirements' for AF1

By Marjorie Censer / January 17, 2017 at 1:03 PM

Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing's chief executive, told reporters after meeting with President-elect Trump today the two "made some great progress on simplifying requirements for Air Force One," according to a pool report.

Late last year, Trump tweeted out criticism of the Air Force One program's price tag. Muilenburg met with the president-elect in December and again today.

He told reporters today's meeting included a discussion of both Air Force One and fighter aircraft.

Muilenburg praised the meeting for making progress on the requirements for Air Force One as well as "streamlining the process, streamlining certification by using commercial practices."

"All of that is going to provide a better airplane at a lower cost, so I'm pleased with the progress there," he added. "And similarly on fighters, we were able to talk about options for the country and capabilities that will, again, provide the best capability for our warfighters most affordably."

Asked how quickly a deal might be finalized, Muilenburg said he expects it "in the very near term."

Simplifying the requirements and streamlining the process will lead to "substantial cost reduction, so this is something that we're working together," he said. "I appreciate the teamwork approach on this. I think it's the right way to do business.”

Muilenburg also pushed for increased investment in the aerospace industry to bolster job growth.

“If you want manufacturing jobs, aerospace is the place to invest," Muilenburg said. "We’re proud to take on that mission. And I think Mr. Trump's engagement with industry is going to help us grow manufacturing jobs in this country.”

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