Quantcast

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

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
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
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
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
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
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
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
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
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
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

Flying Food Group announced on LinkedIn that it recognized its culinary team in celebration of National Culinarians Day.

Jul 28, 2025

Emirates has introduced its new Airbus A350 aircraft to Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport, marking the first time this model is operated in Italy and making Bologna one of the first ten cities worldwide to receive it.

Jul 28, 2025

Citi has announced a significant partnership with American Airlines, allowing 1:1 point transfers from its ThankYou Rewards program to the airline's AAdvantage loyalty program.

Jul 27, 2025

Citi has introduced a new premium travel credit card, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card, as a successor to the Citi Prestige Card.

Jul 27, 2025

Flying Food Group has highlighted the importance of its Corporate Treasury Team in managing financial resources.

Jul 26, 2025

Etihad Airways is preparing to launch its new Airbus A321LR aircraft, which promises to enhance the narrow-body flying experience.

Jul 26, 2025