Quantcast

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

American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
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

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

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

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