U.S. formally accepts luxury 747 gift from Qatar for Trump

The United States has taken possession of a Boeing 747 jet gifted by the Qatari government, according to multiple news reports. The Air Force has now been tasked with exploring how quickly the aircraft can be upgraded to serve as a presidential transport for Donald Trump.

A Defense Department spokesperson confirmed the arrangement on Wednesday.

According to Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesperson, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin accepted the aircraft in line with all applicable federal procedures. The military will now assess how to adapt the plane to meet the stringent safety and mission demands required for presidential travel.

The aircraft, estimated by aviation experts to be valued at about $200 million, requires significant modifications before it could safely transport a sitting president.

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall noted in Senate testimony that converting a commercial aircraft to meet these standards is a major undertaking.

Lawmakers voice concern

The initiative has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, who fear political pressure could lead to security shortcuts.

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) warned that an expedited timeline could compromise critical systems, such as defenses against missiles or electromagnetic attacks.

Although President Trump is reportedly eager to see the plane ready before the year’s end, the Pentagon hasn’t announced a timeline for completion. Secretary Kendall said any security concerns would be communicated directly to the defense secretary and if necessary, to the president.

In addition to security concerns, some members of Congress have raised questions about the motives behind Qatar’s donation. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced fears the gift could be intended to curry favor or that the aircraft might be compromised with surveillance equipment.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, addressed the speculation earlier this week. He insisted the donation reflects goodwill and a commitment to strong bilateral relations, not an attempt to exert influence.

Delays with Boeing planes

If the retrofitting proceeds, this aircraft would become the third plane in line for potential use as Air Force One, joining two others currently undergoing transformation under a $3.9 billion contract with Boeing (NYSE:BA). Those aircraft, which are set to replace the aging presidential fleet, are due to be delivered starting in 2027.

Adding a third plane would significantly raise costs. Operating each of the aircraft is projected to cost roughly $135 million annually, and the Qatari jet’s overhaul could run into the billions, potentially exceeding the cost of finishing the existing Boeing (NYSE:BA) contract.

Where the funding for the Qatar plane’s upgrade and operation would come from remains unclear. Traditionally, such expenditures require congressional approval, but Trump has previously sidestepped the legislative process on similar matters.

The jet, originally delivered in 2012, was outfitted with a high-end interior for Qatar’s royal family. But the Gulf nation has reportedly been trying to offload it for several years, in part due to the rising costs of maintaining four-engine aircraft such as a 747, which are becoming less practical even for heads of state.

The donated plane has been parked in San Antonio since April, undergoing maintenance. Sources say the administration is considering L3Harris (NYSE:LHX), a major defense contractor, to handle the retrofit, although no contract has been finalized or publicly announced.