The aircraft may be used temporarily and eventually donated to Trump's library as negotiations continue amid ethical queries.
**Qatar Considers Temporary Transfer of Luxury Jet for U.S. Presidential Use**
**Qatar Considers Temporary Transfer of Luxury Jet for U.S. Presidential Use**
Discussions are underway between the White House and Qatar over a Boeing 747-8 for Air Force One.
The government-owned Qatar Amiri Flight company is reportedly in discussions to provide a luxury Boeing 747-8Z5 jet, potentially for use as Air Force One. While Qatar insists that the aircraft is not a gift, it has confirmed that talks for a "temporary use" transfer are ongoing. The arrangement coincides with President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, marking his first significant foreign trip of his second term. According to sources, if the deal goes through, the plane is anticipated to be donated to Trump's presidential library after the completion of his term.
Qatar’s Media Attaché to the U.S. confirmed negotiations between the Qatar Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, stating that no final decision has been reached as the matter remains under scrutiny by legal departments. Such plans attract attention as the aircraft will require retrofitting and security clearance before it can be operational.
On social media, Trump referred to the jet as a gift, asserting that the transition is transparent and that critics are upset over the government's decision not to incur costs for the new plane. He emphasized that the Defense Department would receive a 747 at no charge to replace the aging Air Force One aircraft.
Currently, the presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747-200B planes that have been in service since the early 1990s. Air Force One jets are typically passed on to succeeding administrations, although only the Reagan Presidential Library displays an aircraft that had been in service for multiple presidents.
In contrast, Qatar is offering a significantly modernized version of the Boeing 747, designed to meet luxury standards comparable to a "flying palace." Boeing's contract to supply the White House with newer models has faced delays, and Trump’s dissatisfaction with the timeframe has led to his administration exploring alternative options. Trump's prior administration enjoyed a cooperative relationship with Qatar, including notable arms purchases, and this predicament follows Qatar's tradition of providing extravagant gifts, as seen in its earlier donation of a private jet to Turkey.
Qatar’s Media Attaché to the U.S. confirmed negotiations between the Qatar Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, stating that no final decision has been reached as the matter remains under scrutiny by legal departments. Such plans attract attention as the aircraft will require retrofitting and security clearance before it can be operational.
On social media, Trump referred to the jet as a gift, asserting that the transition is transparent and that critics are upset over the government's decision not to incur costs for the new plane. He emphasized that the Defense Department would receive a 747 at no charge to replace the aging Air Force One aircraft.
Currently, the presidential fleet includes two Boeing 747-200B planes that have been in service since the early 1990s. Air Force One jets are typically passed on to succeeding administrations, although only the Reagan Presidential Library displays an aircraft that had been in service for multiple presidents.
In contrast, Qatar is offering a significantly modernized version of the Boeing 747, designed to meet luxury standards comparable to a "flying palace." Boeing's contract to supply the White House with newer models has faced delays, and Trump’s dissatisfaction with the timeframe has led to his administration exploring alternative options. Trump's prior administration enjoyed a cooperative relationship with Qatar, including notable arms purchases, and this predicament follows Qatar's tradition of providing extravagant gifts, as seen in its earlier donation of a private jet to Turkey.
