The White House is engaged in talks with Qatar to receive a high-end jet that may serve as a temporary Air Force One replacement.
**Qatar and White House Discuss Possibility of Luxury Jet for Presidential Use**
**Qatar and White House Discuss Possibility of Luxury Jet for Presidential Use**
Discussions are underway regarding a potential transfer of a Boeing 747 for Air Force One as President Trump plans a trip to Qatar.
In recent developments, the White House is conversing with Qatar’s royal family about acquiring a luxurious Boeing 747-8Z5 jet, potentially to be used as a temporary Air Force One. While Qatar has clarified that it does not intend to gift the plane, discussions have focused on a transfer for provisional use. Reports suggest that the airplane could eventually be associated with Trump's presidential library following his term's conclusion.
This news coincides with Trump's upcoming trip to Qatar, marking his first significant international travel during his second term. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., confirmed that negotiations are in progress between the respective defense ministries, stating that legal vetting is ongoing and that no final decision has been reached yet. Sources indicate that should the plane be transferred, it would require retrofitting and security clearances before usage.
On this topic, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized compliance with laws regarding gifts from foreign governments. Trump himself highlighted the deal on his Truth Social platform, referring to the plane as a complimentary gesture. He expressed that the opportunity to receive a jet at no cost has drawn criticism from opponents who want the government to spend more on an aircraft.
Currently, the Air Force maintains two modified Boeing 747-200B jets, initially put into service during the early 1990s. Typically, such presidential aircraft transition to successive administrations. As per the National Archives, only one Air Force One has ever been designated for a presidential library, being the one associated with the Reagan administration.
The potential aircraft under discussion is a more modern Boeing 747-8, labeled a "flying palace" due to its enhancements. Boeing, which had been contracted to supply the White House with newer aircraft, has fallen behind schedule, with expected delivery not set until 2027 or 2028. Trump, expressing frustration with the delays, remarked earlier this year on the lack of timely progression.
Trump's administration previously enjoyed favorable diplomatic relations with Qatar, highlighted by a significant agreement for airplane purchases in 2019. The nation is known for previous act of grandeur as demonstrated when it gifted a high-end jet to Turkey in late 2018.
This news coincides with Trump's upcoming trip to Qatar, marking his first significant international travel during his second term. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., confirmed that negotiations are in progress between the respective defense ministries, stating that legal vetting is ongoing and that no final decision has been reached yet. Sources indicate that should the plane be transferred, it would require retrofitting and security clearances before usage.
On this topic, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized compliance with laws regarding gifts from foreign governments. Trump himself highlighted the deal on his Truth Social platform, referring to the plane as a complimentary gesture. He expressed that the opportunity to receive a jet at no cost has drawn criticism from opponents who want the government to spend more on an aircraft.
Currently, the Air Force maintains two modified Boeing 747-200B jets, initially put into service during the early 1990s. Typically, such presidential aircraft transition to successive administrations. As per the National Archives, only one Air Force One has ever been designated for a presidential library, being the one associated with the Reagan administration.
The potential aircraft under discussion is a more modern Boeing 747-8, labeled a "flying palace" due to its enhancements. Boeing, which had been contracted to supply the White House with newer aircraft, has fallen behind schedule, with expected delivery not set until 2027 or 2028. Trump, expressing frustration with the delays, remarked earlier this year on the lack of timely progression.
Trump's administration previously enjoyed favorable diplomatic relations with Qatar, highlighted by a significant agreement for airplane purchases in 2019. The nation is known for previous act of grandeur as demonstrated when it gifted a high-end jet to Turkey in late 2018.
