Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 keeps royal interior for Trump use
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 1
Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 keeps royal interior for Trump use
11 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 1
The Air Force said the jet, due at Joint Base Andrews this summer after a $400 million overhaul, will keep leather seats, couches and faux bookcases, with Arabic exit signs and artwork removed.
Officials said retaining the interior cut costs and sped delivery while L3Harris added secure communications and other systems after the aircraft was transferred by Qatar in May 2025.
The plane will be more opulent than current Air Force One jets but lacks some capabilities, including a dedicated press cabin, extra refrigerators and the ability to fly former presidents' remains.
How can the US ensure total security in a presidential jet previously owned and operated by a foreign government?
Without aerial refueling, how does the new Air Force One's global mission capability fundamentally change?
Can a new fast-track Pentagon role solve chronic delays in major US defense acquisition projects?