Trump administration eyes Qatar jet for new Air Force One
The Trump administration approached Qatar with an enquiry about purchasing a Boeing 747, which could be used by President Donald Trump as Air Force One, CNN reports, citing four sources. This marks a change in the situation, as President Trump had claimed that Qatar contacted him and offered the jet as a "gift".
After Trump assumed office in January, the Pentagon contacted Boeing and was informed that the company would not be able to deliver new aircraft to replace the ageing presidential fleet for another two years, according to reports from CNN.
CNN states that the Trump administration was eager to find a replacement aircraft much sooner, and the Air Force was exploring various possibilities. Concurrently, Trump instructed his envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to compile a list of suitable aircraft options, a senior White House official informed CNN.
Following initial cooperation, the Pentagon and Boeing provided American defence representatives with a list of other Boeing customers worldwide who had received planes. According to CNN, one of those customers was Qatar. The Pentagon offered to purchase the aircraft, and Qatar indicated its willingness to sell.
The Pentagon began discussions with Qatar after learning of the White House's support for the idea. Witkoff assisted in facilitating preliminary discussions. Initial talks were more focused on leasing the aircraft than outright purchasing it, CNN reports.
In the first half of May, American media reported that President Donald Trump was open to accepting a luxurious Boeing 747-8 from Qatari authorities as a gift. The plan to accept the plane from the Qatari royal family sparked protests, even among some Republicans. On Monday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a bill to prevent the use of foreign aircraft as Air Force One, the presidential aircraft.
Trump: Only a fool would not accept this gift on behalf of our country
The Boeing would be the most expensive gift from a foreign state and would initially serve as Air Force One, after which it would be donated to a foundation for a presidential library. Trump himself stated that he would be "foolish" not to accept the aeroplane from Qatar and promised he would not utilise it for private purposes after his term.
The Qatari Prime Minister denied that his country was attempting to buy influence in the USA by offering a luxurious aircraft to the American side, reported Reuters. "I hope that the United States looks to Qatar as a reliable partner in diplomacy that is not trying to buy influence," the Prime Minister said.
The USA signed a contract with Boeing in 2018 to purchase two aircraft to serve as Air Force One, but deliveries are delayed. As a result, the President is using old aircraft, the same ones George H.W. Bush flew 35 years ago. These aircraft require frequent servicing and repairs, and politicians from both sides of the political spectrum have long demanded their replacement.
