US EditionRetrofitting Qatari jet as Air Force One for Trump to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, Air Force says
- On April 29, 2025, President Donald J. Trump deplaned a VC-25A at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan while plans advanced to retrofit a gifted Qatari Boeing 747-8 as his new Air Force One.
- This plan arose after the White House accepted Qatar's offer last month to gift a luxury Boeing 747-8, prompting delays and controversy amid an ongoing Boeing retrofit program facing multi-year setbacks.
- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink stated during a congressional session that upgrading the Qatari Boeing 747 will involve extensive enhancements to its security and communication systems.
- Meink estimated the retrofit cost probably falls below $400 million, disputing Democratic lawmakers’ and analysts’ claims it could exceed $1 billion for full mission capabilities.
- The acceptance of the Qatari aircraft and planned modifications may serve as a temporary presidential jet pending Boeing’s delayed program, raising ethical and budgetary concerns among lawmakers.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Business Insider
JingletreeCost to ready Qatar's gifted jet for Air Force One duty may be much lower than expected, Air Force secretary says
The Trump administration received the aircraft after his Middle East tour last month.Scott Olson/Getty ImagesReadying the Qatari plane set to serve as Air Force One will likely cost less than expected, the Air Force secretary said.Qatar gifted the plane to the Trump administration last month, but it needs to be overhauled.Democratic lawmakers and others have said retrofitting the plane could cost upwards of $1 billion.The costs of modifying a lu…
Trump to Spend Hundreds of Millions Retrofitting Qatari Jet
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars to retrofit a Qatari luxury Boeing 747 jetliner to fly as the new Air Force One, USA Today reports.Said Meink: "It's probably less than $400 million to retrofit that aircraft."
Anadolu Ajansı
anews.com.trRetrofitting Qatari jet for use as Air Force One likely to cost under $400M: Air Force secretary
Troy Meink's remarks come amid tough questions directed by Democratic Representative Joe Courtney on cost of Qatari plane during hearing before House Armed Services Committe - Anadolu Ajansı
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
