Alerts Sign-up
A luxury Boeing 747-8, previously owned by the Qatari Royal family, has been officially gifted to the United States. The Department of Defense confirmed that this aircraft will serve as a new Air Force One for President Trump. Reports indicate that the jet is valued at approximately $200 million, and while discussions about the transfer were ongoing, it was finalized on Wednesday.
The U.S. Air Force plans to swiftly upgrade the plane to meet presidential transport standards. Sean Parnell, Pentagon's chief spokesperson, stated: “The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations. The Department of Defense will work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the president of the United States.”
The conversion process is expected to be extensive and costly due to necessary security enhancements. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink emphasized their commitment: “We will make sure that we do what’s necessary to ensure security of the aircraft.” He added during Senate testimony: “I will be quite clear and discuss that with the secretary up to the president if necessary if we feel there’s any threats that we are unable to address.”
