Qatar and White House Discuss Transfer of Luxury Jet for Air Force One
In a notable development, discussions have begun regarding a luxury Boeing 747 transfer for presidential use.
The White House is currently negotiating with Qatar's royal family to potentially acquire a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft that may serve as a temporary Air Force One. Qatar's Media Attaché has confirmed that while no final decision has been made, discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense are ongoing. The aircraft in question, owned by Qatar Amiri Flight, is not being gifted outright; rather, discussions pertain to its temporary use. President Trump, set to visit Qatar imminently, referred to the plane as a "gift" for his use at no cost and emphasized the transaction's transparency, countering criticism surrounding its implications. Currently, the U.S. utilizes two aging Boeing 747-200B models for presidential travel, which have been in operation since the early 1990s. Air Force One's upgrade is essential, as current models may not carry over to future administrations. The Qatar-provided aircraft boasts modern upgrades, but significant retrofitting and security checks will delay its potential use. Qatar is known for previous lavish gifts of aircraft to foreign nations, adding a layer of intrigue to this negotiation.
In a notable development, discussions have begun regarding a luxury Boeing 747 transfer for presidential use.
The White House is currently negotiating with Qatar's royal family to potentially acquire a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft that may serve as a temporary Air Force One. Qatar's Media Attaché has confirmed that while no final decision has been made, discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense are ongoing. The aircraft in question, owned by Qatar Amiri Flight, is not being gifted outright; rather, discussions pertain to its temporary use. President Trump, set to visit Qatar imminently, referred to the plane as a "gift" for his use at no cost and emphasized the transaction's transparency, countering criticism surrounding its implications. Currently, the U.S. utilizes two aging Boeing 747-200B models for presidential travel, which have been in operation since the early 1990s. Air Force One's upgrade is essential, as current models may not carry over to future administrations. The Qatar-provided aircraft boasts modern upgrades, but significant retrofitting and security checks will delay its potential use. Qatar is known for previous lavish gifts of aircraft to foreign nations, adding a layer of intrigue to this negotiation.
