President Donald Trump is set to accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar’s royal family to serve as an interim Air Force One amid delays in the production of new presidential aircraft. The aircraft, previously used by Qatar’s royals and refurbished by defense contractor L3Harris, is anticipated to be ready by fall. Trump viewed the aircraft earlier this year and plans to reveal its new role during an upcoming visit to the Middle East, including Qatar.
The current Air Force One fleet, composed of two aging 747-200 jets from the 1990s, faces replacement issues, with new generation planes not expected until 2029. The luxurious jet from Qatar will be used as Air Force One until the end of Trump’s term, after which it may be transferred to his presidential library foundation.
Legal reviews by Attorney General Pam Bondi and White House counsel David Warrington concluded the plane’s acceptance is lawful, as it is not considered a prohibited emolument under the Constitution. The aircraft will initially be transferred to the U.S. Air Force, which will modify it to meet military specifications required for any aircraft used to transport the U.S. president.
The Trump administration had previously awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract for new jets, a project now mired in cost overruns and delays. Elon Musk has reportedly been consulted about potential solutions to Boeing’s setbacks.
