Latest news with #Boeing747
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Emirates airline president reveals staggering cost to transform Qatari ‘sky Palace' into Trump's new Air Force One jet
DONALD Trump's luxury "sky Palace" gifted to him by Qatar will cost a few billion dollars, says the President of Emirates airline. The US government now faces a "Herculean task" to transform the huge Boeing 747-8 into a new Air Force One fit for a president, warns Sir Tim Clark. 9 9 9 9 President Trump, 78, sparked concerns earlier this month with his willingness to accept the plush flying mansion from the Qatari royal family. The giant gift, worth an estimated $400m (£300m), has raised several ethical questions about if the US leader should be allowed to accept such expensive goods from other states. But despite the controversy, Trump gladly took the 13-year-old mega jet back to Washington with him. He now plans to make it part of his Air Force One fleet alongside two other Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets. They have been operational since 1990 but are now said to be not up to scratch compared to modern planes such as Qatar's 747-8. In order for it to become a fully fledged member of the president's aviation arsenal however, it will need to go through some serious work. It would have to be kitted out with top-tier communications and security tech before ever ferrying around Trump. And significant retrofitting and clearance from security officials would be required. Sir Tim, president of Emirates, told Piers Morgan Uncensored that President Trump's flashy plans may cost a 'couple of billion dollars'. He explained to Piers: 'I think you're talking a couple of billion dollars to start with. "Just roll back a little bit and look at what it takes for us to convert our 777s - from the old to the new - because we haven't got the Boeing's coming in at the pace we want them so we're having to reconfigure all of them." The top aviation boss said trying to fix up all the jets as an airline has been an extremely tough task. Tim admitted to "pulling his hair out" over the regulators and the tiny tweaks that have to be made to modernise a plane of that size and stature. And he believes the US government will face an even trickier - and much more expensive - battle to get the gifted plane ready for presidential trips. He said: "It's a Herculean task, make no mistake about it. "Whether President Trump will adapt fully, this present from Qatar, to an Air Force One I doubt it, but he'll certainly get a lot of it done." Aviation specialist Jeff Wise also told The Sun that he expects the Air Force One replacement to take years and need billions of dollars pumped into the project to make the jet viable. Trump's Air Force One jets currently in use come with dozens of specialised security features. 9 9 9 These include armoured glass and plating, on board flares to confuse enemy missiles, mirror-ball defences and even an electric jamming system. Another unique yet needed element is an electromagnetic shield for nuclear explosions. This has to be on a presidential plane as the leader of Washington can actually launch a nuke from the aircraft. But the new Qatari jet lacks most of these security features. Instead, the lavish aeroplane boasts a luxurious interior, featuring spacious suites and rooms with ornate interior decoration. It also has glittering gold-coloured furnishings and hallways that echo Trump's well-know interior design preferences. The president is believed to have spent an hour inspecting the plan when when it was parked at West Palm Beach International Airport back in February. The luxury Boeing was once even listed for a whopping $400 million, according to the Business Jet Traveler. During his first stint in office, Trump had ordered two new Air Force One jumbo jets from Boeing to replace the pair that have been in service since George H. W. Bush's presidency. But the Boeing contract has faced delays, and reports suggest the new plans would not be ready until after Trump leaves the Oval Office. By Chief Foreign Reporter, Katie Davis A LAVISH jumbo jet Donald Trump plans to receive from Qatar will be vulnerable to hacking, an expert has warned. The Boeing 747 - dubbed a "palace in the sky" - could even be blasted out the sky, aviation specialist Jeff Wise believes. He fears Trump may bypass necessary measures to save time and money - which could therefore invite hacking or a devastating assassination attempt. Wise told The Sun: 'This Air Force One would be a major intelligence target for any adversary nation or even our allies, because allies love to spy on each other. 'The United States is being given this albatross that they are going to have to spend billions of dollars on to fix up for the personal use of Trump. 'If your job is to protect the President of the United States or if your job is to protect the secrets of the United States, then this is a massive headache for you. 'This is a plane that does not have secure communications and the anti-missiles defence systems that a normal Air Force One has. It's just wide open. 'This is an administration that is completely irresponsible in the way they use their personal devices. They're using these off-brand apps to communicate. It's just a hacker's dream.' Wise continued: 'I would say an increasing number of people would like to target Air Force One. 'America's list of enemies is growing longer and longer as we become an increasingly horrible nation, from the Houthis to the Iranians to the Russians.' 9 9
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First Post
a day ago
- Business
- First Post
The ultimate ‘Trump' card: How US President's family is getting richer faster than most Americans
Trump-linked businesses have received over $2 billion in just the past month, according to a new report. The US president is also getting a luxury Boeing 747 worth $400 million for Qatar. While other presidential families have profited from their time in office, reports suggest the Trumps have taken it further than anyone else, turning the presidency into a source of personal gain read more Not too long ago, Donald Trump was facing doubts about his political future and serious concerns about his finances. Now, his estimated wealth has reportedly doubled. It is not just him, his family is also earning from the Trump brand . Now, there are plans that Qatar might offer him a new presidential plane. ALSO READ | What is the 'Taco' trade jibe that has angered Trump? While other presidential families have made money from their time in office, reports say the Trumps have gone further than anyone else in turning the presidency into a source of profit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, how much is Donald Trump worth today? How has his wealth grown so much since he took office in January? Where is all this money coming from? We look at the answers to these questions and more. How the Trumps are getting richer A report by The New York Times says Trump-linked businesses have received at least $2 billion in the past month alone. These earnings come from ventures like real estate, cryptocurrency, and a new private club planned in Washington with a $500,000 membership fee. Meanwhile, Qatar is also said to be giving him a new presidential jet. Notably, Trump has more than doubled his net worth since the start of his reelection campaign, reaching around $5.4 billion, Bloomberg reported. One thing Trump has learned by now is that court delays can work in his favour. Last year, when he said he could not pay the $454 million fraud penalty in New York State, his lawyers asked the appeals court to either drop or lower the bond. Courts do not always agree to such requests, but this time they did, cutting it to $175 million. This helped him avoid having his assets taken. It is worth noting that the US President is doing business with governments in Serbia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. One thing Trump has learned by now is that court delays can work in his favour. AP/File Photo The White House says there is no conflict because his sons are in charge of the companies. Still, Trump is gaining wealth from these deals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even with fears of a recession in the economy, the Trump family looks set to become richer than ever. ALSO READ | What is the 'Trump Hotel Rental' scam that has duped hundreds of Indians? So, where is all this money coming from? Here's a closer look. Cryptocurrency ($TRUMP) This is the Trump family's digital currency , owned by the Republican leader and managed by Donald Trump Jr. It is not presented as an investment. Instead, it offers people another way to gamble. A recent report by State Democracy Defenders Action said that the president's crypto assets now make up almost 40% of his total wealth, around $2.9 billion. The Trump family gets a cut every time someone buys a coin. Trump has also started offering rewards. The top 220 buyers have been invited to a dinner with him next week at his golf club in Virginia. The 25 biggest buyers will also get a tour of the White House. Alongside $TRUMP, another token, $MELANIA, has also played a role in growing their wealth. My NEW Official Trump Meme is HERE! It's time to celebrate everything we stand for: WINNING! Join my very special Trump Community. GET YOUR $TRUMP NOW. Go to — Have Fun! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The digital coin business is expected to get another push. How? This week, World Liberty Financial announced that a firm backed by Abu Dhabi will put billions into the Trump-linked crypto fund. According to a statement shared with CBS News, the Emirati firm MGX will spend $2 billion on a stablecoin product from World Liberty. Real estate Qatar has helped the Trumps secure a deal to build a high-end golf resort in the country, valued at $5.5 billion. The plan includes Trump-branded villas by the beach and an 18-hole golf course, to be built by a Saudi firm. It was the Trump Organization's first foreign project since Trump took office, and very different from those in his first term. Eric Trump looks at the 3D model of Trump International Golf Club & Trump Villas project in Doha, Qatar. Reuters/File Photo Meanwhile, a UAE-based company run by billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a long-time Trump business associate, plans to invest $20 billion in data centres across the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sajwani's company, Damac Properties, is one of the top real estate developers in the UAE. This investment seeks to show Trump's appeal as a businessman who is able to pull in large funding. In Serbia, a former army headquarters bombed by Nato is set to be redeveloped into a luxury complex, backed by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner's firm. The Serbian government approved the project last year, giving Kushner a multi-million-dollar deal, including a 99-year lease on the land, located in central Belgrade. Notably, thousands protested the move in March this year, calling for the site's historic status to be restored and the plans to be cancelled. Students protest against the government's lease of a site to Jared Kushner in Belgrade, Serbia. Reuters/File Photo Meanwhile, the Trump Organization is already earning from a project tied to Oman's government. The site includes a hotel, residences and a golf course. Another ongoing project is Trump Tower Jeddah, expected to be completed in 2029. It offers Saudi residency to those who invest about $1 million. Eric Trump was quick to praise the 47-floor project overlooking the sea STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD $400 million plane by Qatar, private club and more: What other deals are bringing in money Qatar's gift of a luxury Boeing 747 jet for Donald Trump was accepted by the country's Defence Department earlier this month. 'Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE,' Trump posted on Truth Social network during his trip. The $400 million aircraft will be used as a temporary Air Force One. Trump says his presidential library will own the plane after his presidency. Meanwhile, Amazon is also involved in several Trump family projects. The company paid $40 million to secure the rights to Melania Trump's documentary, outbidding the next highest offer by nearly three times, according to the Wall Street Journal. In Trump's first term, foreign dignitaries stayed at Trump-owned properties and Republicans hosted events there, which brought in millions of dollars. According to the New York Times, such income has resumed. Last month, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league held a professional event at Trump National Doral in Florida. Trump arrived on a military helicopter to launch the tournament. Notably, Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund manages the league. They paid the Trump family a confidential sum to hold the LIV tournament. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also, a private members' club linked to Trump, called Executive Branch, is set to open in Washington, DC. The club will be located below a shopping mall in Georgetown. Donald Trump Jr is one of the club's owners, along with Zach and Alex Witkoff, who are sons of Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to West Asia; Omeed Malik of 1789 Capital; and Chris Buskirk, an ally of Vice President JD Vance. The entrance fee reportedly reaches as high as $500,000. The club is expected to limit its membership to around 200 people, with admission based on more than just financial means. Among those expected to join are lobbyists, major figures from the tech industry, and some White House officials. With inputs from agencies
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's Air Force One deal with Qatar not finalized, being reviewed by prospective legal teams: Sources
Despite previous claims from the Department of Defense that the United States has officially accepted the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar, the United States and Qatar have not yet finalized the details of the agreement, which are still being reviewed by the prospective legal teams, according to a White House official and sources familiar with the discussions. A White House official stated that the White House's legal team is currently finalizing the details of the gift, working on a memorandum of understanding -- or MOU -- between the United States and Qatar. The Washington Post first reported the news. The plane from Qatar is currently in the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter as well as President Donald Trump, who confirmed the plane was here. However, Qatar wants to clarify the details surrounding the transfer, specifically emphasizing that the Trump administration was responsible for initiating the discussions about the donation of the luxury jet to the U.S. government, sources familiar with the negotiations said. MORE: Pentagon accepts luxury jet from Qatar to use as Air Force One "As the President has said, this will be a sovereign-to-sovereign gift to the US Air Force," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. As ABC News first reported earlier this month, the aircraft is expected to be available for use by Trump as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which time the ownership of the plane is expected to be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Last week, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that the Pentagon had officially accepted the luxury jet from Qatar. "The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," said Parnell, adding that the Department of Defense would "work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the president of the United States." MORE: Legality of Trump potentially accepting gift of Qatari plane questionable: Experts The Trump administration's plan to accept the luxury jet donated by the Qatari government to use as Air Force One has raised significant security concerns, according to intelligence experts and government officials. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns that the plane could pose significant security risks and potentially grant a foreign nation access to sensitive systems and communications, raising counterintelligence issues. Conversely, Republican lawmakers have questioned the president's decision to accept a gift from a foreign nation, also raising intelligence concerns. "Any building or vehicle or airplane that the president is located is a high-value target for foreign intelligence services who want to gather as much information about the president," said John Cohen, an ABC News contributor and former acting Homeland Security official. For his part, Trump said "it would be stupid" not to accept the free plane and has called the gift from Qatar a "very nice gesture." "I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer," Trump said earlier this month. "I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.' But it was, I thought it was a great gesture." Trump's Air Force One deal with Qatar not finalized, being reviewed by prospective legal teams: Sources originally appeared on
2 days ago
- Politics
Trump's Air Force One deal with Qatar not finalized, being reviewed by prospective legal teams: Sources
Despite previous claims from the Department of Defense that the United States has officially accepted the luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar, the United States and Qatar have not yet finalized the details of the agreement, which are still being reviewed by the prospective legal teams, according to a White House official and sources familiar with the discussions. A White House official stated that the White House's legal team is currently finalizing the details of the gift, working on a memorandum of understanding -- or MOU -- between the United States and Qatar. The Washington Post first reported the news. The plane from Qatar is currently in the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter as well as President Donald Trump, who confirmed the plane was here. However, Qatar wants to clarify the details surrounding the transfer, specifically emphasizing that the Trump administration was responsible for initiating the discussions about the donation of the luxury jet to the U.S. government, sources familiar with the negotiations said. "As the President has said, this will be a sovereign-to-sovereign gift to the US Air Force," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement. As ABC News first reported earlier this month, the aircraft is expected to be available for use by Trump as the new Air Force One until shortly before he leaves office, at which time the ownership of the plane is expected to be transferred to the Trump presidential library foundation, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Last week, chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that the Pentagon had officially accepted the luxury jet from Qatar. "The secretary of defense has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar in accordance with all federal rules and regulations," said Parnell, adding that the Department of Defense would "work to ensure proper security measures and functional-mission requirements are considered for an aircraft used to transport the president of the United States." The Trump administration's plan to accept the luxury jet donated by the Qatari government to use as Air Force One has raised significant security concerns, according to intelligence experts and government officials. Democratic lawmakers have expressed concerns that the plane could pose significant security risks and potentially grant a foreign nation access to sensitive systems and communications, raising counterintelligence issues. Conversely, Republican lawmakers have questioned the president's decision to accept a gift from a foreign nation, also raising intelligence concerns. "Any building or vehicle or airplane that the president is located is a high-value target for foreign intelligence services who want to gather as much information about the president," said John Cohen, an ABC News contributor and former acting Homeland Security official. For his part, Trump said "it would be stupid" not to accept the free plane and has called the gift from Qatar a "very nice gesture." "I would never be one to turn down that kind of an offer," Trump said earlier this month. "I mean, I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane.' But it was, I thought it was a great gesture."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - Trump can't blame Biden forever
President Trump's recent trip to the Middle East was all about making deals. He returned with promises of trillions of dollars of future purchases and investments in the United States. He also was given a gift by Qatar, a Boeing 747 luxury jetliner that he hopes to use as Air Force One, after which it will be housed at his presidential library. Of course, modifying the airplane to meet the safety and security standards of Air Force One will likely take several years, costing taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, making the gift rather costly. Any time a negotiation or event works out well, Trump is quick to take credit for it. Yet when things go sour, it appears that the kneejerk reaction is to blame it on former President Biden. President Trump has been in office since Jan. 20, 2025 — four months. This is fast approaching 10 percent of his second term next month. He has issued an unprecedented number of executive orders covering a swath of issues, including energy, immigration, climate and DEI, to name just a few. Those garnering the most attention have focused around tariffs on goods imported into the nation, with the intent to reduce the trade deficit by encouraging more domestic production. Yet whenever unfavorable news comes in, the first response has been to blame his predecessor. This has become the theme of the administration. For example, when Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was asked about overspending her budget during a Senate Appropriation Committee meeting, her answer was that it was Biden's fault. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins blamed Biden for the rising agriculture trade deficit, even though the dollar value of agriculture exports from 2021-2024 were the highest ever recorded. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed Biden for the recent U.S. credit rating downgrade by Moody's, even though every president since Herbert Hoover has contributed to the growing national debt. When Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy held a press conference to announce sweeping changes in the air traffic control system, he blamed Biden for the travel delays at Newark Liberty International airport. Yet problems in the air traffic control system and its infrastructure have persisted across several administrations, as Duffy also noted, including Trump's first term, from 2017-2021. When a new president takes office, he must accept and address the current challenges, whatever they may be. This is the case with Trump, as it was with Joe Biden in 2021 and Trump back in 2017. Such initial conditions are not a new phenomenon and are a reflection of complex societal issues that transcend administrations. They have been faced by every new president when implementing his agenda and setting up his administration. Blaming the previous president may appease the president's most committed supporters. However, it demonstrates weakness. Whining about the 'hand that you have been dealt' does not change the cards. As Harry Truman said, 'the buck stops here.' Given that the president has been in office for well over 100 days, the initial conditions on many issues have begun to dampen and fade. For example, the impact of the president's tariffs on the economy are quickly washing out economic policies instituted by Biden. If the tariffs turn the economy sour and push the nation into a recession, there is no one to blame but Trump. As long as the president continues to blame Biden for anything that goes awry or what he cannot fix, he is figurately allowing Biden to live rent-free in the White House. Using an aging man who is battling prostate cancer as his whipping boy and default excuse is unbecoming of the person who holds the most powerful position in the world. No president has all the answers to every issue they must confront and every problem they must address. That is why presidents who surround themselves with intelligent and thoughtful advisers, who can help him execute an agenda that serves the best interests of the people and the nation, are a good predictor of his success. A review of Trump's choices for his Cabinet and inner circle demonstrates his emphasis on loyalty rather than experience. Not everyone may agree with Trump's agenda and how he is attempting to reshape America. However, blaming the former president when things go astray is, shall we say, unpresidential. Sheldon H. Jacobson, Ph.D., is a professor in the Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A data scientist, he uses his expertise in risk-based analytics to address problems in public policy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
