Quantcast

Qatar transforms retired Boeing jet into luxury flying hotel

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
Qatar transforms retired Boeing jet into luxury flying hotel
Policy
Webp qatar airways boeing747
Qatar Airways Boeing 747 | Official Website

The Boeing 747, a pivotal aircraft in the history of aviation, has found a new role beyond its original purpose. Initially introduced in 1970 by Pan American World Airways, the 747 transformed air travel with its large capacity and efficiency, allowing more people to fly long distances at lower costs. Over its production span from 1968 to 2023, over 1,500 units were built.

In recent years, however, the number of airlines using this iconic aircraft has dwindled. The nation of Qatar repurposed a Boeing 747-8I into an opulent flying hotel. This aircraft is slated to become Qatar's Air Force One and features extensive luxury modifications.

Joe Sutter led the development of the original Boeing 747 after Pan Am requested a larger alternative to the Boeing 707 in 1958. The first prototype emerged in September 1968 and took flight in February of the following year.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Despite reduced commercial use today, some variants like the Boeing 747-400 remain prominent due to their capabilities. The most recent model, the Boeing 747-8 launched in 2005 and began service in 2011. These planes have also served as executive transports due to their spacious interiors and long-range abilities.

Qatar's conversion of one such aircraft reflects this adaptability. Swiss firm AMAC Aerospace revamped it between 2012 and 2015 into an ultra-luxurious VIP transport capable of carrying up to 90 guests with numerous lounges and amenities.

Following its transformation into a luxury jet for Qatar's royal family, complete with custom interiors and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, this particular Boeing aircraft was gifted for use as Air Force One for the United States President. Upon arrival at San Antonio International Airport on April 3rd, it underwent further modification by defense contractor L3Harris for presidential duties.

This move underscores strong ties between Qatar and the United States but also highlights discussions around government spending on such projects.

The legacy of the Boeing 747 is marked by its significant contributions to commercial aviation while continuing to serve specialized roles globally today.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Emirates Group recently held an exhibition titled "Tomorrow Takes Flight," showcasing its sustainability initiatives in aviation.

Jul 4, 2025

Air France-KLM has announced plans to take control of SAS Scandinavian Airlines by increasing its ownership stake to 60.5% by the end of 2026.

Jul 4, 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concerns over the Global Solidarity Levy Task Force's (GSLTF) proposal to impose a premium flyer levy, citing potential negative impacts on the airline industry and broader economic...

Jul 4, 2025

American Airlines, known for its extensive network of hub airports, once operated a significant hub at St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) in Missouri.

Jul 4, 2025

Qantas Airways has reported a cyber attack targeting one of its contact centers, leading to a potential data breach affecting up to six million customers.

Jul 4, 2025

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is experiencing a significant increase in airline travel.

Jul 4, 2025