President Donald Trump has long been eager to secure a next-generation Air Force One, but the wait for the custom-built aircraft has been far longer than anticipated.

With the new fleet not expected to be ready until 2029, Trump has now set his sights on a more immediate solution: a refurbished Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet, originally owned by the royal family of Qatar.

In a bold and unconventional move, President Donald Trump is considering using a Qatari Boeing 747-8 as a temporary Air Force One, offering a luxurious alternative amid continued delays in the delivery of the next-generation presidential aircraft from Boeing.

The jet, reportedly a $400 million gift from Qatar, boasts opulence beyond the standard configuration—featuring private suites, plush interiors, and elegant design touches intended to serve both presidential duties and executive comfort.

Fighter Escorts & Flight Restrictions Likely

Unlike the current Air Force One, which is equipped to survive extreme threats—including electromagnetic pulses and even nuclear conflict—the Qatari 747 lacks the sophisticated missile defense systems, radar jamming tech, and hardened communication infrastructure standard on U.S. presidential aircraft.

As a result, defense sources say the jet would likely require fighter jet escorts, especially during international missions, and could face restrictions to domestic-only flights unless extensive and costly upgrades are made.

According to Reuters and ABC News, even after communication and defense enhancements are completed, the aircraft still might not match the survivability standards demanded for global deployment of the U.S. President.

Trump Responds to Critics

President Trump has brushed aside criticism of the arrangement, calling the move “practical” and a necessary response to the slow progress on the two new Air Force One jets, originally ordered during his first term. “It would be stupid to reject such an offer,” Trump reportedly stated, defending the decision as a cost-effective interim solution.

A Flying Palace Fit for a President

Despite its defense limitations, the Qatari 747 is undeniably luxurious. Often described as a “flying palace,” the aircraft’s interior features:

• Private presidential suites
• Conference rooms with adjustable high-end seating
• Winding staircases
• Hand-selected artwork adorning the fuselage
• First-class accommodations throughout the cabin

The aircraft reflects both elegance and authority, offering Trump and key officials a level of comfort rarely seen in military aviation.

Planned Delivery and Ownership Transfer

While an official announcement of the aircraft’s transfer was initially expected during Trump’s first foreign trip in his second term—coinciding with a visit to Qatar—White House officials later confirmed the gift would not be publicly unveiled during that visit. However, plans are in motion for the aircraft’s delivery in the coming months.

According to sources, the aircraft will be used by President Trump until shortly before he leaves office, at which point ownership will transfer to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation, possibly making it a future museum piece.