The U.S. Department of Defense has officially accepted a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the government of Qatar to serve as a temporary Air Force One, the Pentagon
confirmed Wednesday.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the donation complies with all federal rules and regulations. The Air Force will now work to upgrade the jet to meet the security and operational requirements necessary to transport the President of the United States.
The two Boeing 747s currently used as Air Force One have been in service since the early 1990s. Their replacements—new Boeing 747-8 aircraft—have faced repeated delays. According to sources, the Qatari jet will be available for use by President Donald Trump until the new planes are ready. After Trump leaves office, the aircraft is expected to be transferred to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation.
The lavish jet, formerly used by the Qatari royal family and described as a “flying palace,” is estimated to be worth between $200 million and $400 million. Its donation has sparked ethical concerns among Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called it “the largest bribe from a foreign government in American history.” Schumer also introduced a bill to block the use of foreign aircraft as Air Force One.
The Trump administration has defended the move, arguing the gift was made to the U.S. government—not to Trump personally—and that Qatar received nothing in return. “They’re giving us a free jet,” Trump said, insisting the donation was a benefit to the country and not a personal gain.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told senators this week that the Air Force is preparing to modify the plane to meet presidential transport standards. An Air Force spokesperson said a contract will be issued for the necessary upgrades, but details remain classified.
Meanwhile, the Air Force and Boeing are working to accelerate the delivery of the replacement jets, now potentially expected by 2027, earlier than previously forecast. Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. John Wright, DOD, Wikimedia commons.