Trump Administration Awards $45 Million Contract for New Air Force One Simulator

The Trump administration has awarded a $45.3 million, sole-source contract to CAE USA Inc. to build a flight simulator for training crews to fly the new Air Force One—an upgraded Boeing 747-8 purchased by the U.S. after Qatar gifted the aircraft. The simulator will be installed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and will be a “commercial FAA Level D certified 747-8i Full Flight Simulator.” The contract points to taxpayer-funded costs despite claims that the plane cost nothing to the public. Installation is expected to take 24–36 months after the contract award, with 12–18 months of future support and maintenance, including courseware and instruction. The agreement raises questions about when the Qatar-gifted plane will be ready for use, since the simulator is specialized for that aircraft. The White House deferred questions to the Department of Defense. The timeline also comes amid controversy, including earlier DOJ subpoenas involving reporters and a delayed Dallas trip after an emergency slide deployed accidentally on the new plane.