Standing by in San Antonio: the luxury plane from Qatar intended to replace Air Force One

npr.orgPublished: 5/19/2025

Summary

A luxury Boeing 747, valued at $400 million, gifted by Qatar as a replacement for Air Force One, has been parked near an airport awaiting extensive modifications to accommodate President Trump. The plane, originally designed for the U.S. Air Force, is now under consideration for conversion into a presidential aircraft, raising ethical, legal, and security concerns. Experts warn that retrofitting would require years, potentially leaving it unavailable until Trump departs office. Critics argue that rushing the process could compromise national security, while former officials involved in similar projects emphasize the need for due diligence to ensure compliance with military standards.