World

Qatar may provide jet for temporary Air Force One use to US

While Qatar emphasised that aircraft would not be a gift but a temporary arrangement

By Web Desk
May 12, 2025
A Qatar Airways Airbus A350 passes by the retired Air France Concorde number 5 on the tarmac at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in France May 25, 2020. Picture taken May 25, 2020. — Reuters
A Qatar Airways Airbus A350 passes by the retired Air France Concorde number 5 on the tarmac at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy-en-France during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in France May 25, 2020. Picture taken May 25, 2020. — Reuters

Amid mounting delays in the replacement of Air Force One aircraft, the White House is looking into acquiring a luxury jet from Qatar for temporary presidential use, BBC News reported. 

The proposed arrangement, now under discussion with Qatar’s royal family, would involve a Boeing 747-8, a modernised aircraft known for its opulence and advanced features.

Qatar clarified that the plane would not be a diplomatic gift but could be temporarily transferred under a bilateral agreement. Negotiations are reportedly taking place between the Qatari and US defence ministries, with legal reviews ongoing.

CBS News reports that, following its use, the aircraft might be donated to Donald Trump’s presidential library. This development coincides with Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar, a country with which he maintained close ties during his first term.

Qatar had previously announced a major purchase of US aircraft in 2019 and has a history of gifting jets to allied nations, such as Turkey.

Qatar's offer comes as Boeing faces criticism from Trump for significant delays in delivering two newly commissioned Air Force One jets. Originally negotiated during Trump’s first term, those aircraft — custom Boeing 747-8s — are now expected no earlier than 2027 or 2028. 

Frustrated by the delays, Trump publicly hinted at alternate options in February, saying, “We may buy a plane or get a plane, or something.”

Though the Qatari jet may fill a short-term gap, the prospect of a foreign aircraft serving as Air Force One has raised eyebrows. Critics are already questioning the transparency and legality of such a high-value transaction. 

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt assured the public that any such arrangement would comply fully with US law and disclosure requirements.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two Boeing 747-200Bs in service since the early '90s. These iconic aircraft are outfitted with advanced communications, a presidential suite, and security features, but they are due for replacement. 

Qatar’s Boeing 747-8, known in media reports as a "flying palace," could offer a modern, luxurious interim solution — pending security retrofitting and legal approval.