US President Donald Trump’s new ride will be a ‘palace in the sky’ which he will get from Qatar’s royal family. The $400 million luxury jet will be used by him as the Air Force One until Boeing completes building the next generation Air Force One fleet, reports ABC News.
The outlet further reports that that the jet, dubbed as the “world’s most luxurious private jet” will be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation once the president leaves office.
Trump is scheduled to travel to the Middle East as part of his second foreign trip, with stops at Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Reports initially suggested that the jet was being gifted to Trump, but Qatar has denied those claims, stating only that a “possible transfer” is under discussion.
“Reports that a jet is being gifted by Qatar to the United States government during the upcoming visit of President Trump are inaccurate,” the New York Post quotes Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar’s Media Attaché to the US, as saying.
He added, “The possible transfer of an aircraft for temporary use as Air Force One is currently under consideration between Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence, but the matter remains under review by the respective legal departments, and no decision has been made.”
The aircraft that Trump is expected to use features ultra-luxurious interiors, including a spacious master bedroom, a conference area accommodating 6-7 people, multiple lounges, and several bathrooms. It also includes a staircase leading to a second level. Every element of the design will remind you of luxury.
Earlier, Trump took a tour of the luxurious jet at West Palm Beach International Airport in February.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration has engaged defence contractor L3Harris to upgrade a Boeing 747 for presidential use. The aircraft in question has previously served the Qatari royal family.
“Nothing says ‘America First’ like Air Force One, brought to you by Qatar. It’s not just bribery, it’s premium foreign influence with extra legroom,” said Senator Chuck Schumer on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Another Senator, Chris Murphy, said, “Ok. But even if it’s not a done deal yet, the fact that giving Trump a jet is ‘under consideration’ tells you all you need to know about what countries are being told they need to do to be an ally with America under Trump.”
Currently, the US Air Force operates two Boeing 747-200 jets as Air Force One. Discussions are underway about expanding the fleet with a third aircraft.
