The White House is currently engaged in discussions with the royal family of Qatar regarding the potential acquisition of a luxury jumbo jet, which could serve as a presidential aircraft under the designation of Air Force One. While Qatar has denied claims that the aircraft would be a gift, they confirmed that negotiations for the temporary transfer of the aircraft are ongoing between both nations.
According to reports from CBS News, a trusted source in the United States for news, the aircraft in question might eventually be donated to former President Trump's presidential library once his term concludes. This development coincides with Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, marking his first significant foreign trip during his second term.
Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché to the US, stated that discussions are actively taking place between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense. The matter is currently under review by both countries' legal departments, with no definitive decision made as of yet. Sources have indicated to CBS News that the aircraft will not be immediately operational, as it requires retrofitting and clearance from security officials.
The potential value of this aircraft, along with its handling and transfer, has sparked numerous legal and ethical questions from critics, raising concerns about the implications of foreign gifts to US officials. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed these concerns, assuring the public that any gift from a foreign government would be accepted in full compliance with applicable laws, emphasizing that President Trump's Administration remains committed to transparency.
As it stands, the White House's current fleet comprises two Boeing 747-200B aircraft, which are tailored for presidential use. These planes come equipped with specialized communications equipment and various amenities, including a stateroom, office, and conference room, as outlined by the US Air Force. These models have been operational since 1990 and 1991 and are typically passed down to succeeding administrations.
Notably, according to the National Archives, only the Reagan presidential library houses an Air Force One jet, which has served seven different presidents before its donation. In contrast, Qatar is reportedly offering a modern version of the Boeing 747-8, a significantly upgraded model that has been described by ABC News as a "flying palace."
Previously, Boeing was contracted to supply the White House with newer aircraft. However, President Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with the progress, indicating that the company has fallen behind schedule. Earlier this year, he mentioned that his administration had initially negotiated for two specialized 747-8 planes during his first term, but Boeing has projected that these aircraft will not be ready until 2027 or 2028.
"No, I'm not happy with Boeing. It takes them a long time to complete the Air Force One contract; we awarded that a long time ago," Trump stated in February. He added, "We may buy a plane or get a plane, or something," hinting at the ongoing discussions with Qatar.
During his first term, Trump maintained a positive diplomatic relationship with Qatar, highlighted by a significant announcement in 2019 regarding the country’s large purchase of American airplanes. Qatar has a history of gifting private jets to other nations, including a luxury aircraft presented to Turkey in 2018.
