Staggering cost of retrofitting Qatari 747 revealed, and Trump may never even be able to use it
Washington D.C.: The Trump administration has accepted a Boeing 747 jetliner from the government of Qatar and directed the Air Force to assess its suitability as a potential new Air Force One.
The Pentagon confirmed the gift, stating it was accepted in accordance with federal regulations and that the Department of Defense will ensure all security and mission requirements are met before the aircraft is used to transport the president.
The jet will require extensive modifications—including missile defense, secure communications, and protection against electromagnetic pulses—before it can be considered for presidential use. Pentagon officials acknowledged that the plane, as delivered, does not yet meet necessary security standards.
The acceptance of the Qatari jet has sparked bipartisan criticism in Congress. Lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential for the Air Force to be pressured into rushing the upgrade process, possibly compromising safety. There are also suspicions about Qatar’s motives, with some legislators warning the gift could be an attempt to gain influence or that the jet might contain hidden surveillance devices.
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Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) was especially vocal, linking the gift to broader concerns about Trump’s recent Middle East trip and alleging that foreign governments were “putting money in the president’s pocket” in exchange for national security concessions—a situation he called “the definition of corruption".
The estimated cost to retrofit the Qatari Boeing 747-8 into Air Force One ranges from $750 million to over $1.2 billion, significantly exceeding the jet’s original $400 million value. This process would involve extensive modifications to meet the aircraft’s stringent security and functional requirements, with taxpayers likely covering the expenses.
Installing encrypted communication networks, missile defense systems, and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) shielding could account for nearly $1 billion. These systems enable Air Force One to function as a mobile command center during crises, including nuclear scenarios.
The aircraft must be dismantled to check for foreign surveillance devices or hidden technology, a process requiring specialized teams and labor-intensive inspections. Electrical and avionics systems need upgrades to support presidential operations, including rewiring and power system modifications.
Luxury amenities, such as gold-plated interiors, will be replaced with a medical bay, secure command suites, and facilities for staff and press, effectively transforming it into a "flying White House".
The retrofit is projected to take three to five years, potentially extending beyond President Trump’s current term. By comparison, Boeing’s ongoing $5.3 billion program to build two new Air Force Ones from 747-8s is already three years behind schedule.