As reported by Global Times, former U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed during his recent Middle East trip that he will accept a luxury jet valued at approximately US$400 million from Qatar's royal family. The aircraft, gifted by the Qatari monarchy, is reportedly being retrofitted to serve as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet.
Aging Fleet and Delayed Replacements
According to the BBC, the current two Air Force One planes, in service since 1990, face soaring maintenance costs for their aging airframes and engines. Trump has privately expressed embarrassment over using the outdated jets. The U.S. government had ordered two new Boeing 747-8 aircraft in 2018, originally slated for delivery in 2024. However, the project has faced multiple delays, with the first plane now expected by 2027 and the second by 2028 at the earliest.
Specs and Challenges of Retrofitting
The CBS reported that Air Force One, measuring 230 feet (70.1 meters) in length and reaching speeds of up to 630 mph (1,014 km/h), features 4,060 square feet (377 square meters) of interior space. This includes a presidential office suite, a senior staff conference room, crew rest areas, and a press cabin at the rear, where media outlets pay to occupy seats. The aircraft is also equipped with advanced military capabilities, such as mid-air refueling, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) shielding, and radiation hardening.
However, retrofitting the Qatari-donated jet to meet Air Force One standards poses significant hurdles. Experts estimate the complex modifications—including secure communications, defense systems, and structural overhauls—could take until 2030 to complete, likely extending beyond Trump's potential term. Mark Cancian, a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), warned that the retrofit costs might exceed US$1 billion, adding that critical functions may need to be sacrificed to expedite the timeline.
Related News:
Trump's tariff push meets automation woes as Nike's US manufacturing dreams collapse
Watch This | US former President Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer
Comment