US EditionConverting luxury jet gifted to Trump into Air Force One could cost hundreds of millions
- The Trump administration is considering converting a 13-year-old Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar into a replacement Air Force One as of May 2025.
- This idea follows delays and escalating costs in the original VC-25B Air Force One program, which Boeing struggled to deliver on schedule since 2015.
- The gifted 747-8, valued at $400 million with larger dimensions than the current presidential plane, requires extensive retrofitting including secure communications and defensive systems.
- Experts warn that upgrading the plane could cost hundreds of millions, take years, pose major security vulnerabilities, and require thorough inspections for espionage risks.
- If converted, the plane would serve temporarily until new jets arrive, but uncertainty remains about timing, extent of use, and the substantial security challenges involved.
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Trump's Qatari 747 may need fighter escorts to serve as Air Force One
WASHINGTON - A Boeing 747 jet offered to President Donald Trump by Qatar as a temporary flying White House might need fighter jet escorts and could be restricted to flying inside the U.S. unless significant costly security upgrades were made, aviation experts and industry sources said. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore
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Cartoon: The plane truth
Air Force One is actually two planes, both heavily modified Boeing 747-200s. Attempting to replace both (?) current planes with one 747-8 which needs millions, maybe billions, of dollars of work to function properly seems insane. But, you know, the...
·United States
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Total News Sources83
Leaning Left14Leaning Right5Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
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C 53%
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