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Qatar gifts luxury Boeing 747-8 as new Air Force One

Qatar gifts luxury Boeing 747-8 as new Air Force One
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Troy Meink Air Force Secretary | Air Force

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.”

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For years, Boeing has been working on modified 747-8s intended as replacements for older models used for presidential transport; however, delivery delays have extended timelines until at least 2027. As a result, focus remains on maintaining current aircraft.

Concerns have arisen among some members of Congress regarding potential pressure on the Air Force to expedite modifications under President Trump's directive. Senator Tammy Duckworth expressed these concerns: “If President Trump insists on converting this plane to a hardened Air Force One before 2029, I worry about the pressures you may be under to cut corners on operational security.”

While it remains uncertain when conversions will conclude, indications suggest Mr. Trump desires completion by year-end.

Following his presidency, reports suggest plans exist for donating this 747-8 model towards establishing Mr. Trump's presidential library where he could continue utilizing it privately post-office tenure despite constitutional emoluments clause considerations raised concerning foreign gifts acceptance legality issues being addressed through legal advisement asserting permissibility thereof per Attorney General Pam Bondi alongside top White House lawyer David Warrington assurances provided accordingly last week reported statements confirming legitimacy involved therein.

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