Quantcast

Trump considers Qatari jet amid delay in new Air Force One delivery

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
Trump considers Qatari jet amid delay in new Air Force One delivery
Policy
Webp d6ag11vxguy77v9t9tdmxnpboftg
Dassault's Falcon 10X | https://www.dassault-aviation.com/

The Qatari Boeing 747-8i, dubbed the 'Flying Palace,' has arrived in the United States to potentially serve as a temporary presidential transport aircraft. This development comes as the U.S. Air Force plans to replace its aging VC-25A 'Air Force One' jets with new models based on the Boeing 747-8i. However, these replacements are not expected until 2029, after Donald Trump's current presidential term.

The existing VC-25A aircraft are based on the older Boeing 747-200B model and face increasing maintenance challenges due to their age. In 2022, the Air Force stated that "the VC-25B Program will replace the United States Air Force Presidential VC-25A fleet," citing issues such as capability gaps and rising maintenance costs.

The new Air Force One jets, designated as VC-25B, were initially built for Transaero, a Russian airline that went bankrupt in 2015. These jets are being retrofitted for use as presidential transport aircraft.

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.

The mission of the current VC-25 aircraft is straightforward: "to provide air transport for the President of the United States." The differences between these aircraft and standard Boeing 747s include specialized electronic and communications equipment, self-contained baggage loaders, and capabilities for in-flight refueling.

While discussions about the Qatari jet focus on its luxurious interior, it lacks many of the modifications required by an Air Force jet designed to serve as a secure airborne office for emergencies. According to The War Zone, transforming this luxury jet into a military-grade transport would be costly and time-consuming.

NPR News reported that extensive upgrades would be needed for its electrical and communication systems among other requirements. Despite being donated free of charge, meeting Air Force standards could prove expensive given its intended short-term use until replacement jets arrive.

There is uncertainty over whether modifications can be completed within Trump's term or before new VC-25B jets enter service. TWZ raised concerns about whether this jet "will meet even stripped-down operational and security requirements."

Upcoming VC-25B replacement capacities remain largely classified but aim to ensure advanced coordination capabilities during emergencies. With Boeing's fixed price contract at $3.9 billion already exceeded by $2 billion losses incurred during production delays—each plane now costs approximately $3 billion—making them potentially some of history's most expensive planes ever built according to May reports from Air & Space Forces Magazine.

As decisions loom regarding compromises necessary when converting business jets like Qatar’s into viable interim solutions until permanent replacements arrive—the Pentagon faces critical choices ahead concerning both cost-effectiveness versus security assurances required throughout such transitions involving key governmental assets worldwide today.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

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

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has reported continued interest in its E2 jet family, following a successful presentation at the Paris Air Show.

Jul 4, 2025

London Heathrow Airport is experiencing a busy schedule of Airbus A380 flights this July, with 21 daily departures on most days.

Jul 4, 2025

Earlier this year, an easyJet flight from London Gatwick to Marrakesh diverted to Faro, Portugal, due to a passenger's disruptive behavior.

Jul 4, 2025