A Qatari Boeing 747 remains stationed on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport, following a personal inspection by former US President Donald Trump on 15 February 2025. This aircraft, a controversial gift from the Qatari royal family, is poised for delivery to Trump by the upcoming summer season.
Air Force Confirms Delivery Timeline for Presidential Jet
An official spokesperson from the United States Air Force has verified that the Boeing 747-8 jetliner, accepted as a gift from Qatar, will be utilised for executive airlift missions. In a statement provided to the Guardian, the spokesperson emphasised, "The Air Force remains committed to expediting delivery of the VC-25 bridge aircraft in support of the Presidential airlift mission, with an anticipated delivery no later than summer 2026." This confirmation aligns with expectations that the aircraft will function as the new Air Force One, replacing the current presidential plane.
Ethical and Security Concerns Surround 'Flying Palace' Gift
Valued at an estimated $400 million, the gifted jetliner has been described as a "flying palace" due to its luxurious specifications. The announcement of this substantial gift in May of last year sparked significant bipartisan criticism across the political spectrum. Lawmakers from both major parties raised ethical questions regarding Qatar's motivations behind the generous present and expressed doubts about the security protocols of the 13-year-old aircraft.
These concerns emerged shortly after Trump embarked on his inaugural foreign tour since returning to office in January, visiting key US allies in the Middle East, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia—all nations with considerable sovereign wealth funds.
Trump's Defence and Revised Delivery Expectations
Despite the widespread backlash, Trump publicly defended accepting the aircraft, characterising it as a "very nice gesture" from the Qatari leadership. He remarked at the time, "Now I could be a stupid person and say: 'Oh no, we don't want a free plane.' I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer." In August, Trump asserted that the jet would be operational by February, though defence and aviation experts viewed this timeline with scepticism, citing the extensive modifications required.
The aircraft is currently undergoing comprehensive refitting to meet stringent presidential security standards. These enhancements include advanced missile defence systems, secure communications infrastructure, and protection against electromagnetic pulses from potential nuclear explosions. The revised delivery schedule is widely anticipated to coincide with the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations on 4 July, symbolising a significant national milestone.
Recent Incident Highlights Need for Reliable Presidential Transport
Earlier this week, an incident involving Trump's current Air Force One aircraft underscored the importance of dependable presidential air travel. The plane, en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was forced to return to Washington DC shortly after takeoff due to what officials described as a "minor electrical issue."
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the decision to turn back was made "out of an abundance of caution." Following the unscheduled return, Trump transferred to Air Force C-32, a modified Boeing 757 typically reserved for domestic journeys, highlighting the ongoing reliance on a fleet of specialised aircraft for executive duties.
The impending delivery of the Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 represents a notable development in presidential logistics, blending international diplomacy, aviation technology, and political scrutiny as preparations advance for its anticipated role in the nation's executive transport framework.
