Negotiations are in progress for a possible transfer of a Boeing 747-8 from Qatar to the US, sparking discussions on legal and ethical implications tied to the potential use of the aircraft as Air Force One.
**Discussions Between White House and Qatar on Luxury Jet Transfer for Air Force One**
**Discussions Between White House and Qatar on Luxury Jet Transfer for Air Force One**
White House confirms ongoing negotiations with Qatar for a luxury jumbo jet, amid Trump’s second term visit.
The White House has entered discussions with Qatar to potentially receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet, which may serve as a temporary Air Force One for President Donald Trump. While Qatar has denied that the aircraft will be a gift, they confirmed ongoing talks regarding its transfer for "temporary use" back to the US. This development coincides with Trump's upcoming visit to Qatar, marking his first substantial international trip of his second term.
According to reports by CBS News, the aircraft, which may eventually be donated to Trump’s presidential library, will require retrofitting and security clearance before it can be put into operation. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché to the US, noted that the Qatar Ministry of Defense is in negotiations with the US Department of Defense, with legal departments reviewing the matter.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted adherence to legal compliance regarding any gifts from foreign governments and emphasized Trump's commitment to transparency in these negotiations. Defending the discussions, Trump described the transaction as a "gift," adding that it was offered at no cost, while criticizing political opposition that insists on purchasing the aircraft at a premium.
The current Air Force One fleet consists of two aging Boeing 747-200B jets that have been in service since the early 90s. Air Force One planes typically transition between administrations; however, only the Reagan Library has received a jet from the fleet in the past. The 747-8 proposed by Qatar is a more advanced model, reportedly transformed into a "flying palace."
Boeing was under contract to provide new aircraft for the White House but has faced delays with the delivery projected for 2027 or 2028, prompting Trump’s dissatisfaction with their timeline. During his previous term, Trump cultivated a beneficial diplomatic relationship with Qatar, which included a significant aircraft purchase from the US in 2019, and has previously gifted luxury jets to other nations, like Turkey back in 2018.
According to reports by CBS News, the aircraft, which may eventually be donated to Trump’s presidential library, will require retrofitting and security clearance before it can be put into operation. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché to the US, noted that the Qatar Ministry of Defense is in negotiations with the US Department of Defense, with legal departments reviewing the matter.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted adherence to legal compliance regarding any gifts from foreign governments and emphasized Trump's commitment to transparency in these negotiations. Defending the discussions, Trump described the transaction as a "gift," adding that it was offered at no cost, while criticizing political opposition that insists on purchasing the aircraft at a premium.
The current Air Force One fleet consists of two aging Boeing 747-200B jets that have been in service since the early 90s. Air Force One planes typically transition between administrations; however, only the Reagan Library has received a jet from the fleet in the past. The 747-8 proposed by Qatar is a more advanced model, reportedly transformed into a "flying palace."
Boeing was under contract to provide new aircraft for the White House but has faced delays with the delivery projected for 2027 or 2028, prompting Trump’s dissatisfaction with their timeline. During his previous term, Trump cultivated a beneficial diplomatic relationship with Qatar, which included a significant aircraft purchase from the US in 2019, and has previously gifted luxury jets to other nations, like Turkey back in 2018.
