US aims for Fourth of July to deploy Qatar-gifted jet as Air Force One: Reuters
L3Harris is upgrading the jet to presidential standards as the Air Force says the aircraft is on schedule to deliver this summer.
- The U.S. Air Force is targeting a Fourth of July delivery for a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar to join the Air Force One fleet for the nation's 250th anniversary. The White House accepted the luxury jet in 2025 and tasked L3Harris with upgrading it to presidential standards.
- Democrats and good-government advocates warned the Qatari gift posed a conflict of interest that could influence presidential decisions. President Donald Trump dismissed the criticism, calling it "stupid" to refuse the 13-year-old airplane with a $400 million list price.
- Retrofitting the luxury plane requires security upgrades, communications improvements to prevent eavesdropping, and the ability to fend off incoming missiles. The Air Force recently unveiled a new red, white, dark blue, and gold paint scheme for its executive airlift fleet.
- Meanwhile, the official Air Force One replacement program is four years behind schedule, with delivery not expected until mid-2028. Boeing's contract costs have ballooned to over $5 billion, with the company posting $2.4 billion in charges against earnings.
- An Air Force spokesperson said the aircraft is "on schedule to deliver this summer." Efforts exist to possibly deliver three weeks earlier for June 14, allowing President Donald Trump a new presidential aircraft for national celebrations.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The Emir of Qatar has given the US president a Boeing 747. He will probably take over the bombastic interior, including fake book wall – but the Arab »Exit« signs are coming away. And there is a security update.
US President Donald Trump expects a controversial luxury jumbo from Qatar to be ready as a government aircraft on time for the 250th birthday of the United States. Despite fierce criticism and corruption charges, Trump vehemently defends the acceptance of the million-dollar gift – and speaks of a great saving for American taxpayers. Trump confirmed to the question of a journalist that he expects the machine to be released by July 4th, the Americ…
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