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Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Donald Trump complains Air Force One 'much smaller and less impressive' than Middle East planes
President Donald Trump on Tuesday again defended his decision to accept the gift of a luxury jet from Qatar to serve as Air Force One during his remaining years as president. The president spoke about accepting the controversial gift in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity aboard Air Force One, where he defended himself despite widespread criticism surrounding the decision. 'The plane that you are on right now is almost 40 years old,' Trump remarked, referring to Air Force One and noting that the Boeing planes purchased by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar were 'brand new 747s.' 'You see ours next to it. This is like a totally different plane. It's much smaller and less impressive, as impressive as it is,' Trump said. 'We are the United States of America I believe we should have the most impressive plane.' He expressed his frustration that Boeing had still not delivered the new Air Force One, even though he signed the deal to order new planes. 'It's pretty much the same plane with a new paint color if you want to know the truth,' he said. 'We are painting it red, white, and blue like the American flag which is incredible. Much more beautiful and much more representative of us.' The 747-8 offered by the Qataris is considered more fuel efficient and quiet but it is most notable for it's luxurious interior, designed by famed French design firm Alberto Pinto Cabinet. 'I'm not happy with Boeing,' he said. 'I don't want to hurt Boeing but they are very late with the plane.' Trump said he expressed his complaints about Air Force One to Qatari leaders who indicated they wanted to help. 'Some people say you shouldn't accept gifts,' Trump says. 'My attitude is why wouldn't I accept a gift, we are giving to everybody else, why wouldn't I accept a gift?' Trump said he thought it was a 'beautiful gesture' from Qatar and decided to accept it. 'There are those that say we shouldn't be accepting gifts in the Defense Department and I would say only a stupid person would say that,' he concluded. Trump said the United States spent trillions of dollars to help secure nations overseas, including in Qatar, so it only made sense to accept gifts in return. 'We give a lot of gifts, too many gifts to be honest with you,' he said. 'We give gifts to defend countries that wouldn't even exist, all over the world countries wouldn't even exist.' The gift of the Qatari plane would be complicated as it would need to be heavily retrofitted to meet the security and infrastructure necessary to transport the president of the United States. Air Force One has unique secure communications systems, midair refueling capabilities, missile defense systems, and electronic jamming capabilities to protect the president of the United States. The new planes contracted to Boeing to serve as Air Force One, however, have been fraught with delays, despite the initial contract delivery date of 2024. Currently, the Boeing supplied Air Force One planes are expected to take as a long as 2029 until they are delivered. Costs for the project have now ballooned to $5.3 billion despite the original $3.9 billion estimate.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Qatari royals offer Donald Trump a lavish $400 million 747 jet: Here's what's inside
(File photo) 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.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 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.
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Trump tears into 'fake news' ABC for question Qatar's $400 million 'flying palace' gift and gives update on whether he'll accept it
President Donald Trump continued to defend accepting a gift of a luxury 747-8 airplane from Qatar on Monday, tearing into an ABC News reporter for questioning his decision. ABC senior political correspondent Rachel Scott questioned Trump about why he was accepting the gift. 'What do you say to people who view that luxury jet as a personal gift to you? Why not leave it behind?' Scott asked. 'You're ABC fake news, right?' Trump replied to Scott, adding that she should be 'embarrassed' for asking the question. 'They're giving us a free jet, I could say no, no, no, don't give us, I want to pay you a billion or $400 million or whatever it is, or I could say, 'Thank you very much,'' he added. The 747-8 is considered more fuel efficient and quieter but it is most notable for it's luxurious interior, designed by famed French design firm Alberto Pinto Cabinet. The plane boasts ornate suites, staterooms, lounges and dining rooms. Nearly every room on board has plush carpeting, leather couches and golden furnishings. Critics of the gift, including some from his MAGA supporters, questioned why the president was accepting the gift, warning that it looked corrupt and faulted the president for cozying up to Qatar. Trump compared the situation to a motto of the famous golfer Sam Snead. 'He had a motto, when they give you a putt, you say, 'Thank you very much,' you pick up your ball and you walk to the next hole,' he said. When Scott asked why as a businessman, Trump was accepting a multi-million dollar gift as president, he grew defensive. 'It's not a gift to me, its a gift to the Department of Defense, and you should know better because you've been embarrassed enough and so has your network, you're network is a disaster, ABC is a disaster,' he concluded. Trump and Scott have a history of contention, especially after she grilled him at the National Association of Black Journalists forum during the 2024 election. During that August forum, Scott began by detailing Trump's history of statements on issues of race, including comments he made about President Barack Obama, congresswomen of color, black district attorneys and noted he had dinner with a white supremacist. 'My question, sir, now that you are asking Black supporters to vote for you, why should Black voters trust you after you have used language like that?' she asked. At the time, Trump responded by describing ABC News 'a fake news network, a terrible network' and called her question 'disgraceful' as he came to the forum 'in good spirit.' 'I think it's a very rude introduction. I don't know exactly why you would do something like that,' he said. The president further defended his acceptance of the luxury jet, repeating that Qatar had not asked for anything in exchange of the gift. Trump indicated he was 'disappointed' that Boeing was taking so long to produce a new Air Force One, recalling the current plane was 40 years old. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters about the gifted jet 'It's not even the same ballgame, you look at some of the Arab countries, and the planes they have parked alongside the United States of America plane it's like a different planet,' he said. Trump noted that Qatar purchased the airplane from Boeing and that only a 'stupid' person would turn down the gift. 'If we can get a 747 as a contribution to our Defense Department to use during a couple of years while they are building the new ones, I think that is a very nice gesture,' he said. He defended the gift as a 'gesture of good faith' from Qatar, recalling all the United States had done for the country. Keeping the existing Air Force One plans in operation, he claimed, was costing the United States a great deal of money. 'The maintenance we spend on those planes to keep them tippy-top is astronomical, you wouldn't even believe it,' he said. decommission it and put it in his presidential library, similar to Ronald Reagan's plane and museum.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Inside world's biggest private jet ‘Flying Mansion' – the ultra posh Boeing 747 with gold staircase and full bathroom
Watch an incredible tour of the huge jet HIGH-FLYER Inside world's biggest private jet 'Flying Mansion' – the ultra posh Boeing 747 with gold staircase and full bathroom A LUXURY Boeing 747 with a golden staircase and an enormous master bedroom has been crowned as the world's biggest private jet. The ultra posh jumbo jet, nicknamed the "Flying Mansion", cost a reported £300 million to create and acts as a billionaire's playground in the skies. Advertisement 7 The whopping bed in the master bedroom onboard the world's biggest ever private jet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 The staircase is littered with gold just like the rest of the jet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 The main living area makes up just a small part of the biggest ever upper deck on any jumbo jet on the planet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 An entire bathroom sits on the Boeing 747-8 meaning guests are never far away from looking and feeling their best Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto On the outside the jet looks like a traditional Boeing 747-8I with it being painted in a classic white colour. But inside there is over 4,750sqft of space to enjoy from multiple en suite bedrooms and boardrooms to an elegant living room. Once described as a "landmark in aviation history" by the designers, the jet certainly lives up to its mansion moniker. The master bedroom is the stand out feature in the Boeing 747 as it sits directly in the nose of the plane under the pilot's cockpit. Advertisement This gives it the most privacy in the plane as it sits as far away as possible from the noisy engines. A full size comfy bed fills the room which is all draped in golden trim from the carpet to the bedside drawers. Pricey artwork also adorns the walls The bedroom is then connected to a glitzy en suite bathroom. Advertisement Hidden behind a giant golden door sits a huge room covered in mirrors which has a walk-in shower, toilet and sink. The dark furnished woods inside are finished off with golden strips to add a burst of elegance to the bathroom. Hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to NYC in an hour Moving around the plane has also been transformed into a luxury experience. A shimmering grand staircase - made up of all gold - takes you from the master bedroom up to the main deck of the jet. Advertisement This floor is considered the largest upper deck of any jumbo jet ever made. It greets guests with a massive living room full of everything a person could want on their long-haul flight. Various colour-coordinated bookcases and a mammoth flat-screen TV all await those who perch on the intimate sofa. A golden carpet, record player and matching lamps all add to the plane's grandeur. Advertisement Another living room has three more sofas that sit directly above vaulted ceilings. These are often used for games nights and come with a drinking area to store pricey booze and aged liquor. 7 The Boeing 747-8 might look like an ordinary plane from the outside but inside it is near perfect Credit: YouTube 7 Several tours have taken place inside the jumbo jet Credit: YouTube Advertisement Several boardrooms and offices are also scattered along the upper deck. The entire plane is even fitted with lights that can be controlled by a clever touchscreen device. First flown in November 2005, the massive jet dwarfs most others in the sky and can host up to 467 passengers on board. An impressive wingspan of up to 224ft suits the Middle Eastern owner perfectly as it helps him live out his wildest dreams in the skies. Advertisement In total the jet took four years to fully complete as French design firm Cabinet Alberto Pinto handcrafted it to the best of their talents. Project lead Yves Pickardt spoke about his beloved creation to Altitudes Magazine. He said: 'The owner gave us carte blanche. He wasn't looking for anything outrageously luxurious, with gold and diamonds. "On the contrary he called for some simplicity, which in the end is indeed the true luxury. Advertisement 'Such a project is a dream come true that happens only once or twice in a designer's lifetime. In a way, this is a landmark in aviation history.' The exact cost of the Boeing is still unclear with a selling price not being disclosed to the public. But the list price of the model was around $400million (£300m), according to the Business Jet Traveller. It comes as world's biggest plane dubbed "Skytanic" will finally take to the skies by 2030 and begin transporting its enormous cargo. Advertisement Officially called WindRunner, the colossal aircraft will be able to carry 12-times more than a Boeing 747 - and has one very specific purpose.
The Irish Sun
03-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Inside world's biggest private jet ‘Flying Mansion' – the ultra posh Boeing 747 with gold staircase and full bathroom
A LUXURY Boeing 747 with a golden staircase and an enormous master bedroom has been crowned as the world's biggest private jet. The ultra posh jumbo jet, nicknamed the "Flying Mansion", cost a reported £300 million to create and acts as a billionaire's playground in the skies. 7 The whopping bed in the master bedroom onboard the world's biggest ever private jet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 The staircase is littered with gold just like the rest of the jet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 The main living area makes up just a small part of the biggest ever upper deck on any jumbo jet on the planet Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto 7 An entire bathroom sits on the Boeing 747-8 meaning guests are never far away from looking and feeling their best Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto On the outside the jet looks like a traditional Boeing 747-8I with it being painted in a classic white colour. But inside there is over 4,750sqft of space to enjoy from multiple en suite bedrooms and boardrooms to an elegant living room. Once described as a "landmark in aviation history " by the designers, the jet certainly lives up to its mansion moniker. The master bedroom is the stand out feature in the Boeing 747 as it sits directly in the nose of the plane under the pilot's cockpit. read more in jumbo jets This gives it the most privacy in the plane as it sits as far away as possible from the noisy engines. A full size comfy bed fills the room which is all draped in golden trim from the carpet to the bedside drawers. Pricey artwork also adorns the walls The bedroom is then connected to a glitzy en suite bathroom. Most read in Tech Hidden behind a giant golden door sits a huge room covered in mirrors which has a walk-in shower, toilet and sink. The dark furnished woods inside are finished off with golden strips to add a burst of elegance to the bathroom. Hypersonic jet could whisk passengers from London to NYC in an hour Moving around the plane has also been transformed into a luxury experience. A shimmering grand staircase - made up of all gold - takes you from the master bedroom up to the main deck of the jet. This floor is considered the largest upper deck of any jumbo jet ever made. It greets guests with a massive living room full of everything a person could want on their long-haul flight. Various colour-coordinated bookcases and a mammoth flat-screen TV all await those who perch on the intimate sofa. A golden carpet, record player and matching lamps all add to the plane's grandeur. Another living room has three more sofas that sit directly above vaulted ceilings. These are often used for games nights and come with a drinking area to store pricey booze and aged liquor. 7 The Boeing 747-8 might look like an ordinary plane from the outside but inside it is near perfect Credit: YouTube 7 Several tours have taken place inside the jumbo jet Credit: YouTube Several boardrooms and offices are also scattered along the upper deck. The entire plane is even fitted with lights that can be controlled by a clever touchscreen device. First flown in November 2005, the massive jet dwarfs most others in the sky and can host up to 467 passengers on board. An impressive wingspan of up to 224ft suits the In total the jet took four years to fully complete as French design firm Cabinet Alberto Pinto handcrafted it to the best of their talents. Project lead Yves Pickardt spoke about his beloved creation to . He said: 'The owner gave us carte blanche. He wasn't looking for anything outrageously luxurious, with gold and diamonds. "On the contrary he called for some simplicity, which in the end is indeed the true luxury. 'Such a project is a dream come true that happens only once or twice in a designer's lifetime. In a way, this is a landmark in aviation history .' The exact cost of the Boeing is still unclear with a selling price not being disclosed to the public. But the list price of the model was around $400million (£300m), according to the Business Jet Traveller. It comes as world's biggest plane dubbed Officially called 7 Various colour-coordinated bookcases and a mammoth flat-screen TV all await those who perch on the intimate sofa Credit: Cabinet Alberto Pinto
