Qatar's 'flying palace' Boeing 747-8 to be donated to Trump after flying as temporary Air Force One - report
A Boeing 747-8i VVIP that was used by the Qatari government will be donated to President Donald Trump, sources have revealed to ABC News.
The aircraft, known for its extreme luxury on board, will be retrofitted by the US Air Force (USAF) to serve as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing completes two new VC-25Bs.
According to the outlet, the four-engine jet, currently registered as P4-HBJ, will then be donated to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation by January 1, 2029.
The “palace in the sky,” estimated to be worth $400 million, has drawn criticism in the United States over the legality of the donation, which would be the largest ever made to a president in the country’s history.
Trump, however, called the gift a “transparent” act, despite his opponents calling the Boeing 747 more than bribery. “It’s premium foreing influence with extra legroom,” Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said on X.
The donation is expected to be made official on Monday during the US president’s visit to the Middle East.
13-year-old aircraft
The Boeing 747-8 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) was manufactured in 2012 and delivered in April of that year to Qatar Armiri Flight to serve as an aircraft for members of the country’s government, receiving the registration A7HJA, later replaced by A7-HBJ.
The VVIP aircraft was used until November 2023 when it was retired from service. The following month, its ownership was taken over by the company Global Jet Isle of Man and with that it received a new registration, P4-HBJ.
Earlier this year, the Boeing 747 was in Florida when it was visited by Trump. In April, the aircraft flew to San Antonio Airport, in Texas, where it is believed it will receive the necessary modifications to operate as a temporary Air Force One.
According to the report, the costs of the modification will be covered by the USAF.
If Boeing meets its new forecast, the first new Air Force One (VC-25B), also a 747-8, should be delivered in 2027, but incomplete.
According to the government, some requirements have been relaxed to allow the aircraft to be delivered and retire the two VC-25A (747-200) manufactured in the 1990s.
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