- Qatar’s gift to Trump is an unsold Boeing 747-8 jet that has been sitting unused for years and now offered as a temporary Air Force One.
- The plane needs major security upgrades before it can serve presidential use, including missile defense and secure communications.
- Despite Trump’s support, ethical and legal concerns in Washington may block or delay acceptance of the gifted plane.
Qatar’s Gift to Trump: A Long-Sitting Unsold Boeing 747-8
Qatar has offered a Boeing 747-8 jet to former President Donald Trump. This plane once served the Qatari royal family. It has a luxurious interior and was built to the highest standards. Despite that, the plane has sat unsold for years. Qatar put it on the market in 2020 but failed to find a buyer. Aviation experts confirm this jet remains unused. It flew only about two hours per week since 2012. The Qatari royal family fleet includes similar planes, but this one stands out because of its luxurious design and rare availability.
The Plane’s Lavish History and Design
The aircraft was commissioned for Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, Qatar’s former prime minister. Qatar received the jet in 2012. It had a base price of \$367 million, excluding the interior work. The interior alone likely cost tens of millions more. Paris-based Cabinet Pinto designed the inside, using fine materials like sycamore and wacapou wood and silk fabrics. The plane can seat 89 passengers and includes two bedrooms, entertainment rooms, and spaces for meetings. Despite these high-end features, no buyer has stepped forward in over three years of trying to sell it.
Why Qatar Wants to Give the Plane Away
Experts say the plane has become expensive to maintain. John Goglia, a former National Transportation Safety Board member, points out that the 747 fleet is shrinking worldwide. This shrinkage means fewer mechanics know how to service these jets. As a result, Qatar faces rising maintenance costs. Giving the plane to the U.S. would save Qatar from these expenses. Meanwhile, Qatar’s other similar planes still operate, though one appears inactive. Another unsold 747-8 was given to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an in 2018. So, Qatar might see this gift as a way to avoid costly upkeep.
Trump’s View on Accepting the Gift
Donald Trump has expressed strong support for accepting Qatar’s offer. He has publicly criticized Boeing for delaying the delivery of two specially modified 747s for presidential use. Trump argues that accepting the Qatar plane saves taxpayer money. He posted on Truth Social, stressing the plane goes to the U.S. Air Force, not to him personally. Trump called the plane a “gift” from Qatar, a country the U.S. has defended for years. He said the jet will serve as a temporary Air Force One until new Boeing planes arrive. He believes refusing the gift would be foolish.
What Must Happen Before the Plane Can Serve as Air Force One
The plane needs major upgrades before the U.S. can use it as Air Force One. These upgrades include secure communications, nuclear blast shielding, and missile defense systems. The current jet lacks these critical features. Adding these would require time and money. Still, supporters say it is faster than waiting for Boeing’s delayed new planes. The upgrades would ensure the plane meets presidential safety standards.
Concerns Over Ethics and Legal Issues
Some lawmakers and experts question the ethics of accepting the gift. Bipartisan concerns have emerged in Washington. They worry about the potential for conflicts of interest and constitutional issues. Some fear the deal could spark legal battles. These concerns could delay or even block the transfer of the plane. The controversy highlights the challenges when foreign governments give gifts to U.S. officials. Despite these concerns, Trump remains eager to accept the jet.
A Controversial Gift with a Complicated Past
Qatar’s offer of this unsold Boeing 747-8 to Trump is more than just a generous gesture. It represents a plane with a long, luxurious past that failed to find a buyer. Qatar wants to avoid maintenance costs and offers the jet as a gift to the U.S. government. Trump sees this as a smart way to save money and solve a problem with Boeing delays. However, ethical questions and legal hurdles remain. The fate of this unsold plane, now proposed as a temporary Air Force One, will depend on how these issues unfold in Washington.