Latest news with #Boeing747-200B
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Says His New Jet Gifted by Qatar Is ‘Much Too Big'
President Donald Trump shrugged off ethics and security concerns to accept a new luxury plane from Qatar—now he's complaining about its size. 'It's too big,' Trump told reporters Wednesday. 'Frankly it's too big, much too big.' He nonetheless touted the jet as 'beautiful, big' and 'magnificent,' offering no further explanation for his issue. Measuring 250 feet long, the Boeing 747-8 indeed stretches 18 feet beyond the older Boeing 747-200B that currently serves as Air Force One, according to The Guardian. But the $400 million gift from Qatar's royal family, dubbed a 'flying palace,' would seem to suit Trump's taste for the grandiose just fine. According to an 'aircraft specification summary' document posted online when the plane was listed for sale several years ago, it has at least three lounges, two bedrooms, nine bathrooms, five galleys and a private office. The art-deco inspired interiors feature oversized couches and recliners, wood paneling, built-in bookshelves, and big-screen TVs. Moreover, one reason Trump apparently wanted the new plane so badly is that the size of the current Air Force One made him feel insecure when parked next to jets owned by Middle Eastern royals. 'When you land and you see Saudi Arabia, and you see UAE, and you see Qatar, and you see all this, and they have these brand new Boeing 747s mostly, and you see ours next to it, this is like a totally different plane,' Trump told Fox News' Sean Hannity. 'It's much smaller,' he said. 'It's much less impressive—as impressive as it is.' The new jet is technically a hand-me-down, having once been used by the division of Qatar Airways that serves the royal families and other top government officials. It now sits at an airport in San Antonio, Texas, where it's being reworked by the U.S. Air Force to meet presidential requirements. While Trump boasted Wednesday that he got the plane for 'free,' Fortune reported that modifying the jet may cost taxpayers up to $1 billion. And at the end of Trump's term, the jet won't stay in service—instead it will be transferred to Trump's presidential library foundation. Trump has come under fire from both Democrats and Republicans for accepting such a lavish gift from a foreign government. A new CNN report has contradicted Trump's 'free gift' narrative, with multiple sources claiming that Trump sought out the jet after realizing that Boeing wouldn't be able to deliver a replacement for the aging Air Force One until 2027. Two new Boeing 747-8 planes are currently being specially customized to become the next generation of Air Force One, but the project has been hit with delays. 'We're waiting too long from Boeing,' Trump said Wednesday, 'Boeing has got to get its act together.'
New York Post
13-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump defends accepting $400M jet from Qatar, says it's more ‘impressive' than outdated Air Force One : ‘Why wouldn't I accept a gift?'
President Trump defended accepting a $400 million aircraft from Qatar to temporarily replace Air Force One, arguing that the aircraft is more 'impressive' than the current presidential plane. 'The plane that you are on right now is almost 40 years old,' Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity, in an interview Monday as the president traveled to Saudi Arabia aboard Air Force One. 'And when you land and you see Saudi Arabia and you see [the United Arab Emirates] and you can see Qatar and you see all these – and they have these brand new Boeing 747s, mostly, and you see ours next to it – this is like a totally different plane,' the president continued. Advertisement 'It's much smaller. It's much less impressive, as impressive as it is,' Trump said of Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747-200B aircraft that was introduced into service in 1990. 'And you know, we're the United States of America – I believe that we should have the most impressive plane.' 3 Trump plans to use the gifted plane as a temporary Air Force One, until Boeing delivers new aircraft in a 'couple of years.' Fox News Trump, 78, confirmed Sunday that the US would receive the $400 million 'flying palace' Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet from Qatar's royal family 'free of charge,' and that he planned to use the luxurious aircraft as an interim presidential plane while Boeing completes the next-generation Air Force One fleet following years of frustrating delays and cost overruns. Advertisement The 13-year-old plane, which would need to be modified to meet Air Force One standards, will potentially be transferred to Trump's presidential library foundation when he leaves office, according to ABC News. ''We would like to make a gift. You've done so many things. And we'd like to make the gift to the Defense Department,' which is where it's going,' Trump said of how the offer was presented to him. 'And I said, 'Well, that's nice.'' The president said he doesn't understand the criticism he's getting over the diplomatic present. 'Some people say, 'Oh, you shouldn't accept gifts for the country.' My attitude is, why wouldn't I accept a gift? We're giving to everybody else, why wouldn't I accept a gift?' Trump argued. 'Because it's going to be a couple of years, I think, before the Boeings are finished.' Advertisement 3 The Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet is known as a 'flying palace.' YouTube/Spotti Flight Trump allies including Florida Sen. Rick Scott took issue with the extravagant gift. 'I'm not flying on a Qatari plane,' Scott told The Hill. 'They support Hamas. I don't know how you make it safe.' Other Senate Republicans like Josh Hawley were concerned over the jet's safety. Advertisement 3 Trump was gifted the plane by a member of Qatar's royal family, which is led by Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. APAImages/Shutterstock 'It would be better if Air Force One were a big, beautiful jet made in the United States of America,' said Hawley (R-Mo.). 'That would be ideal.' Others worried whether the gift is even lawful under the Constitution's emoluments clause, which bars US officials from accepting gifts from foreign states without congressional consent. 'If Qatar gives a plane to the president of the United States, it seems to me that raises questions of whether the administration would be in compliance with the gift law,' Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said. The Trump administration awarded Boeing a $3.9 billion contract during the president's first term – in 2018 – to produce two new presidential planes for use as Air Force One. The beleaguered project, which the president was personally involved in, is not expected to be completed until 2029. The president insisted that those planes will be top of the line when ready. 'They'll be wonderful when they're finished,' Trump said. The president's full interview will air on Fox News Channel's 'Hannity' at 9 p.m.
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
See the US's presidential aircraft fleet that Trump wants to add to with a $400 million gift
The ruling family of Qatar gifted the US president the $400 million luxury jumbo jet, and Trump said he would "never be one to turn down that kind of offer." The potential plane deal faced pushback from critics and even some Trump allies over security concerns and the legal and ethical issues associated with using a foreign-origin aircraft as Air Force One, the president's airborne command center. Besides Air Force One, the presidential fleet includes other fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft depending on the mission. Presidential aircraft fleet Air Force One is a call sign that refers to any US Air Force aircraft transporting the president, though it is commonly recognized by its blue-and-white Air Force has two "specially configured" Boeing 747-200B jets that are primarily used as Air Force One. The VC-25A aircraft is uniquely modified to serve as an airborne command-and-control center for the president, staff, and guests with the same level of safety and security as the White than the number of passengers it can carry, the main differences between the VC-25 and the standard Boeing 747 include more advanced electronic and communications equipment, a self-contained baggage loader, and the capability for in-flight VC-25 also has a rest area and mini-galley for the aircrew, six passenger lavatories, and a compartment with medical supplies and equipment for minor in-flight emergencies. Marine One For shorter distance trips, especially to and from the White House, the president flies in Marine One, which includes military helicopters like the VH-3D Sea King and the VH-60N White service for nearly five decades, both military helicopters are set to be phased out and fully replaced with modernized rotary-wing aircraft, the next-generation Marine One is designed to be a militarized variant of the Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot. Other aircraft The presidential fleet also includes other fixed-wing aircraft besides the modified 747. The C-32A, a modified Boeing 757-200, is better suited for smaller airports or low-profile C-40, based on the Boeing 737, can be used to fly the president but is more often used for Cabinet members or other VIP on General Dynamics' Gulfstream long-range business jets, the C-37 is used to transport high-ranking government and Defense Department officials for worldwide missions. 'Next Air Force One' The two planes currently being used as Air Force One have been in service for nearly four decades. They are set to be replaced by a modernized variant dubbed the "Next Air Force One."Officially designated the VC-25B, the new presidential aircraft is set to feature "electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities," according to an Air Force two future VC-25B jets were initially scheduled to be fielded in 2024, but supply chain issues and shifting requirements could postpone their delivery to pressure from the White House to have the new aircraft ready before Trump leaves office in January 2029, the Air Force and Boeing are aiming to have the new aircraft delivered by 2027, according to Darlene Costello, the Air Force's principal deputy assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics. A 'security nightmare' An Air Force official told Air and Space Forces Magazine that the service is coordinating with the White House and Boeing "to further define the requirements and acceleration options while ensuring we provide a safe, secure, and reliable aircraft for the president."Trump has previously expressed his frustration with receiving the next-generation Air Force One, suggesting earlier this year that he may seek "alternatives, because it's taking Boeing too long."Despite the backlash, the president doubled down on his proposal to use the Qatari jet as Air Force One, saying he doesn't plan on using it after his term and would donate it to a future presidential library."I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'" Trump told reporters free in cost, there's still a major cost to overhaul and retrofit the plane with the strict security requirements needed to serve as Air Force One."Along with the obvious ethical and legal issues, a $400M gifted luxury jet is not Air Force One," US Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut wrote on X. "Retrofitting a plane from Qatar would create huge costs & a security nightmare that would impede the work underway to deliver the actual AF1 by 2027."
Business Insider
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
See the US's presidential aircraft fleet that Trump wants to add to with a $400 million gift
Presidential aircraft fleet Air Force One is a call sign that refers to any US Air Force aircraft transporting the president, though it is commonly recognized by its blue-and-white livery. The Air Force has two "specially configured" Boeing 747-200B jets that are primarily used as Air Force One. The VC-25A aircraft is uniquely modified to serve as an airborne command-and-control center for the president, staff, and guests with the same level of safety and security as the White House. Other than the number of passengers it can carry, the main differences between the VC-25 and the standard Boeing 747 include more advanced electronic and communications equipment, a self-contained baggage loader, and the capability for in-flight refueling. The VC-25 also has a rest area and mini-galley for the aircrew, six passenger lavatories, and a compartment with medical supplies and equipment for minor in-flight emergencies. Marine One For shorter distance trips, especially to and from the White House, the president flies in Marine One, which includes military helicopters like the VH-3D Sea King and the VH-60N White Hawk. In service for nearly five decades, both military helicopters are set to be phased out and fully replaced with modernized rotary-wing aircraft, the VH-92A. The next-generation Marine One is designed to be a militarized variant of the Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot. Other aircraft The presidential fleet also includes other fixed-wing aircraft besides the modified 747. The C-32A, a modified Boeing 757-200, is better suited for smaller airports or low-profile missions. The C-40, based on the Boeing 737, can be used to fly the president but is more often used for Cabinet members or other VIP individuals. Based on General Dynamics' Gulfstream long-range business jets, the C-37 is used to transport high-ranking government and Defense Department officials for worldwide missions. 'Next Air Force One' The two planes currently being used as Air Force One have been in service for nearly four decades. They are set to be replaced by a modernized variant dubbed the " Next Air Force One." Officially designated the VC-25B, the new presidential aircraft is set to feature "electrical power upgrades, a mission communication system, a medical facility, an executive interior, a self-defense system, and autonomous ground operations capabilities," according to an Air Force release. The two future VC-25B jets were initially scheduled to be fielded in 2024, but supply chain issues and shifting requirements could postpone their delivery to 2029. Facing pressure from the White House to have the new aircraft ready before Trump leaves office in January 2029, the Air Force and Boeing are aiming to have the new aircraft delivered by 2027, according to Darlene Costello, the Air Force's principal deputy assistant secretary for acquisition, technology, and logistics. A 'security nightmare' An Air Force official told Air and Space Forces Magazine that the service is coordinating with the White House and Boeing "to further define the requirements and acceleration options while ensuring we provide a safe, secure, and reliable aircraft for the president." Trump has previously expressed his frustration with receiving the next-generation Air Force One, suggesting earlier this year that he may seek "alternatives, because it's taking Boeing too long." Despite the backlash, the president doubled down on his proposal to use the Qatari jet as Air Force One, saying he doesn't plan on using it after his term and would donate it to a future presidential library. "I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'" Trump told reporters Monday. Though free in cost, there's still a major cost to overhaul and retrofit the plane with the strict security requirements needed to serve as Air Force One. "Along with the obvious ethical and legal issues, a $400M gifted luxury jet is not Air Force One," US Rep. Joe Courtney of Connecticut wrote on X. "Retrofitting a plane from Qatar would create huge costs & a security nightmare that would impede the work underway to deliver the actual AF1 by 2027."
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
How secure is Air Force One and why is Trump considering a jet from Qatar?
US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to accept a Boeing 747-8 aircraft from the royal family of Qatar, according to several media reports. This luxury jet is expected to be retrofitted for official presidential use and serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One. The aircraft will eventually be transferred to Trump's presidential library foundation after the completion of his second term in office. The administration plans to modify the plane to meet the requirements for presidential travel. What are the features in the Qatari jet being gifted to Trump? The aircraft, hailed as a 'flying palace', features lavish interiors with private bedrooms, elegant bathrooms, and a grand staircase. Once used by the Qatari royal family and later the Turkish government, the jet is now being offered to the United States for presidential use. However, legal experts are raising red flags about whether it's appropriate, or even legal for a sitting US president to accept such a lavish 'gift' from a foreign government. With an estimated price tag of around $400 million based on 2019 data, a commercial Boeing 747-8 is among the most expensive jets globally. In response to queries about the gift, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that all foreign gifts are accepted in full accordance with existing legal frameworks. She added that the Trump administration remains committed to maintaining transparency in such matters. The development comes ahead of Trump's scheduled visit to the Middle East, which includes a stop in Qatar, marking his first overseas trip during his second term. What is Air Force One? Air Force One is the official air traffic control call sign used when the US President is aboard any United States Air Force aircraft. While technically applicable to any such aircraft carrying the president, the term commonly refers to the two custom-built planes specifically designated for presidential travel. What are the aircraft specifications in Air Force One jets? The current Air Force One fleet comprises two modified Boeing 747-200B jets, known as VC-25As, bearing tail numbers 28000 and 29000. Operated by the Presidential Airlift Group from Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, these planes include advanced amenities and systems: Unlimited range: Capable of mid-air refuelling, enabling global travel without the need to land. Advanced security: Outfitted with missile defense systems, armour-plated fuselage, and electronics hardened against nuclear electromagnetic pulses. Mobile command hub: Equipped with secure communications to manage national security from the sky. Presidential suite: Includes a private office, bedroom, bathroom, meeting rooms, and space for staff and media. Medical readiness: Contains a medical suite capable of performing surgical operations, with a dedicated onboard physician. Operational autonomy: The aircraft features its own staircases and baggage handling systems and can serve over 100 people with onboard catering. How have the aircraft evolved over time? The tradition of dedicated presidential aircraft began in 1944 with President Franklin D Roosevelt's use of a modified C-54 Skymaster called the 'Sacred Cow'. The term 'Air Force One' was adopted in 1954 following a near-miss involving President Eisenhower's flight. Over the years, the fleet has included aircraft like the Lockheed Constellation and Boeing 707s before the introduction of the current VC-25A models in 1990. These aircraft are recognised by their blue-and-white livery, the words "United States of America," the US flag, and the presidential seal. How secure is Air Force One? > Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) defence The aircraft is built to withstand the electromagnetic effects of a nuclear blast, allowing for uninterrupted operations in extreme conditions. > Missile countermeasures Air Force One is armed with infrared countermeasures, including flares and chaff, designed to mislead incoming missiles. Additional systems include radar jammers, missile detection units, and electronic countermeasures to prevent enemy tracking. > Encrypted communications Acting as a high-security command centre in the sky, Air Force One is equipped with encrypted radios, satellite links, and scrambler-protected telephone systems to maintain secure contact during crises. > In-flight refuelling capabilities The jet can refuel mid-air, extending its range indefinitely and ensuring continued operation during prolonged emergencies. > Armour and physical security The plane's body is reinforced with ballistic-resistant materials. Retractable staircases and a built-in baggage loader further reduce dependency on airport infrastructure and exposure to threats. > Pre-flight security protocols Each trip is coordinated with comprehensive security planning, including controlled airspace and backup landing sites. Additional support aircraft, such as the C-17 Globemaster and the E-4B command post, often accompany the presidential flight. > Classified defences While many features are disclosed, a number of the aircraft's defensive technologies remain classified. The US Air Force confirms that the plane is designed to withstand a wide range of high-level threats. How Air Force One ranks among other national leaders' jets Many world leaders also travel in long-range aircraft. Countries like China, India, and South Korea operate Boeing 747s, while France and Kazakhstan use Airbus A330s or A340s. Smaller nations often rely on Gulfstream, Dassault, or Bombardier jets, with limited defensive systems. Russia's Ilyushin Il-96-300PU and jets used by China and Israel are believed to have advanced defense systems. However, few match Air Force One in terms of layered security, autonomous capabilities, and secrecy.
