White House considers Qatari Boeing 747-8 for Air Force One

The White House is currently engaged in talks with Qatar's royal family regarding the potential transfer of a luxury jumbo jet for Air Force One, BBC News reported.

While Qatar emphasised that the aircraft would not be a gift, it confirmed that discussions are underway for a temporary arrangement between the two governments.

According to CBS News, which partners with the BBC in the United States, the jet may later be donated to US President Donald Trump’s presidential library after the end of his term. The discussions come ahead of Trump’s upcoming visit to Qatar — his first major foreign trip of his second term.

Qatar’s Media Attaché to the US, Ali Al-Ansari, stated that the negotiations are being conducted between Qatar’s Ministry of Defence and the US Department of Defence. He added that the matter is still under legal review, and no final decision has been made.

The jet in question is reportedly a Boeing 747-8, a modern aircraft often referred to as a “flying palace.” However, it will require retrofitting and security clearance before being fit for presidential use.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns by stating that any gift or temporary use of foreign property would be managed in full compliance with US laws and transparency standards. Critics, however, are raising legal and ethical concerns about the value of the aircraft and the optics of accepting such a luxury item.

The current Air Force One fleet consists of two heavily modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft that have served since the early 1990s. Though Boeing had been contracted to build replacements—two custom 747-8 planes—the timeline has reportedly slipped, with delivery not expected until 2027 or 2028.

President Trump has publicly criticised Boeing over the delays and hinted earlier this year that his administration might acquire another aircraft.

Trump enjoyed strong diplomatic relations with Qatar during his first term, including major aircraft purchase agreements and positive defence cooperation. 

Qatar has previously gifted jets to allies, including a luxury plane to Turkey in 2018.