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The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed today that it has accepted a premium Boeing 747-8 from the State of Qatar. The aircraft was previously part of the Qatari royal fleet and will be retrofitted to replace one of the upcoming official Air Force One aircraft, the first time a nation state has provided an asset of this value for the president’s fleet in American history.
“This is an extraordinary gift that we took time to analyze and contemplate the implications on security, logistics, and the diplomatic significance,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a press conference earlier today. “We can confirm that the United States has accepted the aircraft as a gift from the State of Qatar, and it will undergo a comprehensive retrofitting process to reach the requirements for Air Force One.”
According to sources associated with the deal, it is seen as an “intentional act of goodwill” on the part of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Boeing 747-8, which had minimal use and lavishly appointed interiors, had been kept up to rigorous aviation standards since its delivery in 2015, but had never flown on a scheduled service.
“This is more than a friendship gesture but a smart alignment,” said Dr. Emily Nassar, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program. “Qatar has been trying to elevate its standing on the world stage and increase its defense relationship with the United States. This act makes it clear that Doha has Washington as a permanent partner.”
According to sources associated with the deal, it is seen as an “intentional act of goodwill” on the part of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Boeing 747-8, which had minimal use and lavishly appointed interiors, had been kept up to rigorous aviation standards since its delivery in 2015, but had never flown on a scheduled service.
Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program. “Qatar has been trying to elevate its standing on the world stage and increase its defense relationship with the United States. This act makes it clear that Doha has Washington as a permanent partner.”
U.S. defense officials say they exhausted due diligence on the deal to ensure compliance with the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act, and that there were “rigorous discussions” about any national security concerns before accepting the aircraft.
The 747-8 will be refurbished–having all its accoutrements, such as gold ornamented furnishings, bedrooms and lounge space for the ouncycastle. It was intended as a luxury aircraft and the size, grandeur, and intention were there with a conference room & lounge room.
Work on the retrofit is believed to be taking place at Boeing’s San Antonio site to start later this year with an estimated delivery window of 2027, and this aircraft will be in addition to other VC-25B’s anticipated deliveries to replace current VC-25A models delivered in 1990 that are currently in use by sitting US presidents.
This action follows an increase in U.S.-Qatar relations. The telecommunications Gulf state is home to Al Udeid Air Base, which is the largest American military base in the Middle East and has performed an important diplomatic role in Afghanistan, Sudan, and Gaza peace efforts.
The Pentagon said the “unique” source of the plane would “be mentioned quietly” but that it will not be included in any official Air Force One marking or messaging.
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