The White House is exploring a potential arrangement to receive a luxury Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, which has raised ethical and legal concerns among critics as this move unfolds amid President Trump's upcoming visit to the Gulf nation.
White House Negotiates Possible Jet Transfer from Qatar for Air Force One
White House Negotiates Possible Jet Transfer from Qatar for Air Force One
Discussions center around Qatar Amiri Flight's luxury plane as a temporary Air Force One replacement.
The White House is currently in talks with the royal family of Qatar regarding a luxury jumbo jet that could serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. The aircraft in question is reportedly a Boeing 747-8Z5 operated by the Qatar Amiri Flight company, a model recognized for its upgraded specifications, often referred to as a "flying palace." While Qatar has underscored that the aircraft would not be a gift, they confirmed that discussions are ongoing for a transfer intended for "temporary use."
This negotiation emerges just ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar as part of his second term’s inaugural foreign trip. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., indicated that the dialogue between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense is still underway with no finalized decisions. CBS News reported that if the arrangement proceeds, the plane is expected to be transferred to Trump's presidential library upon the conclusion of his term.
The existing Air Force One fleet comprises two Boeing 747-200B models, which have been operational since the early 1990s and feature extensive communications and comfort upgrades for presidential use. Critics are apprehensive about the ethical implications of acquiring a jet from a foreign government, with concerns revolving around transparency and legality. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured the public that any acquisition would conform to legal requirements.
Trump himself has characterized the jet as a "gift" from Qatar, suggesting it would be provided at no cost and lamenting Democrats’ demands for full payment. The discussions have emerged as Trump expressed dissatisfaction over delays from Boeing in delivering newly contracted planes.
Previously, Trump cultivated strong relations with Qatar, including a significant aircraft purchase agreement in 2019. Qatar has a history of gifting luxury jets to nations, having provided a similar aircraft to Turkey in 2018. The fate of this potential arrangement remains uncertain as talks continue amidst prevailing scrutiny.
This negotiation emerges just ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar as part of his second term’s inaugural foreign trip. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's Media Attaché in the U.S., indicated that the dialogue between Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense is still underway with no finalized decisions. CBS News reported that if the arrangement proceeds, the plane is expected to be transferred to Trump's presidential library upon the conclusion of his term.
The existing Air Force One fleet comprises two Boeing 747-200B models, which have been operational since the early 1990s and feature extensive communications and comfort upgrades for presidential use. Critics are apprehensive about the ethical implications of acquiring a jet from a foreign government, with concerns revolving around transparency and legality. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reassured the public that any acquisition would conform to legal requirements.
Trump himself has characterized the jet as a "gift" from Qatar, suggesting it would be provided at no cost and lamenting Democrats’ demands for full payment. The discussions have emerged as Trump expressed dissatisfaction over delays from Boeing in delivering newly contracted planes.
Previously, Trump cultivated strong relations with Qatar, including a significant aircraft purchase agreement in 2019. Qatar has a history of gifting luxury jets to nations, having provided a similar aircraft to Turkey in 2018. The fate of this potential arrangement remains uncertain as talks continue amidst prevailing scrutiny.
