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US president Donald Trump has been offered what is being called one of the most extravagant aircraft ever to be associated with the US presidency, a $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet by Qatar’s royal family. The move, confirmed by Trump on Truth Social and during comments at the White House, is being framed by the president as a temporary replacement for the ageing Air Force One while Boeing struggles to deliver its long-delayed upgrade.
A palace in the sky
The aircraft once used by Qatar’s ruling elite through the Qatar Amiri Flight division is more luxury residence than military transport. Outfitted by renowned French interior designer Alberto Pinto, the jet features a master suite, a guest bedroom, two full bathrooms with showers, nine additional lavatories, five kitchens, a private office, and five separate lounge areas across two expansive decks, the Daily Mail reported.It also includes live TV, internet connectivity, 13 Blu-ray players, over 40 televisions, and plush interiors with gold-accented furnishings. The layout prioritises comfort for 90 passengers, in stark contrast to a standard 747 that can carry up to 467.
- $400 million luxury jet: The Boeing 747-8, previously used by Qatar's royal family, is a fully customised luxury aircraft estimated to be worth around $400 million.
- Lavish interiors: The plane features a master bedroom, guest suite, two full bathrooms, five lounges, a private office, and five kitchens, all designed by French firm Alberto Pinto.
- VIP capacity: Unlike commercial 747s that carry over 460 passengers, this jet is configured for just 90 VIPs and 14 crew, with business-class seating limited to a few rows.
- Advanced tech features: The jet includes more than 40 screens, live TV, Blu-ray players, internet connectivity, and will be outfitted with high-grade defence and communication systems.
As per the report, AMAC Aerospace, a Swiss-based specialist in aircraft interiors, spent two years transforming the plane into what some have dubbed a “flying mansion.”
Despite being more than a decade old, the aircraft remains among the most lavish private jets in the world.
Once operational, it will be the longest aircraft to serve as Air Force One, stretching 250 feet, with a range of 7,730 miles surpassing the current presidential aircraft by nearly 1,000 nautical miles.
Qatar’s ‘gift’ raises red flags
While Trump maintains the plane is being donated to serve as an interim Air Force One, Qatari officials have described the arrangement differently.
A spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the aircraft is only being considered for “temporary use,” downplaying the idea of a direct gift.But the issue has already ignited political backlash. Critics argue that accepting such a jet from a foreign government, especially one with which Trump had significant diplomatic dealings during his presidency may violate the US Constitution’s emoluments clause, which bars federal officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional approval.Democrats were quick to condemn the move, with one senior official calling it “nuclear-grade graft.” Security analysts also raised concerns about using a foreign-built and previously operated jet as the president’s primary command post, even with extensive retrofitting.
Trump’s defence: “I’m not stupid”
When asked by reporters, Trump was defiant. “It’s a great gesture,” he said. “I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer. I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, ‘No, we don’t want a free, very expensive airplane.’”He dismissed suggestions the plane might be used for personal purposes, hinting instead that it could eventually be donated to his presidential library, much like Ronald Reagan’s Air Force One exhibit.
English (US)