Customized Air Force One in the works - Trump acquires a 747 from Qatar for government use
Trump isn't keen on waiting for the new Air Force One planes from Boeing. The high-tech presidential aircraft, expected to cost $3.9 billion, are lagging behind schedule—possibly not arriving until 2035, well past Trump's second term. To speed things up, he's given defense contractor L3Harris a task: convert a lavish, Qatari-owned Boeing 747 into an interim presidential aircraft by the end of the year.
This specific 747 was previously part of the Qatar Amiri Flight, boasting a plush VIP configuration with 89 seats. The aircraft, now registered as P4-HBJ under Global Jet Isle of Man, is getting a makeover from L3Harris. They'll be installing the necessary communications, security, and safety systems for presidential use. Trump's hoping to hop aboard this Bird of Steel by fall.
The modified Boeing contract is running behind schedule, with structural issues like wiring and new door mounts slowing things down. Meanwhile, L3Harris, a swiftly growing US defense contractor, is working tirelessly on a workaround.
The current Air Force One jets, two 1990s-era modified Boeing 747s, require more maintenance than a 90-year-old cat. This maintenance limits Trump's travel, with the US military even hoping for a third backup plane. Trump's been heavily involved in the project, even tossing around ideas for a fresh paint job.
Before Trump took office, he negotiated more favorable terms with Boeing, and later involved Elon Musk to give the project a jolt. If the Qatar aircraft conversion goes smoothly, Trump could have his own Air Force One before the elections. However, it might not be as technologically advanced as the eventual successors.
There are a few wrinkles to consider. The plane won't be as capable as the new Air Force One jets due to time constraints and limits with security equipment. Questions linger about whether it will sport the traditional Air Force One livery or Trump's preferred "patriotic" paint job, potentially leading to additional adjustments to manage heat signatures.
- Trump, not content with waiting for Boeing's new Air Force One planes, set a task for defense contractor L3Harris to convert a Boeing 747 into an interim presidential aircraft by the end of the year.
- L3Harris, currently working on converting a Qatari-owned Boeing 747, will install necessary communications, security, and safety systems for presidential use.
- The modified Boeing contract is experiencing delays, with structural issues like wiring and new door mounts slowing down the process.
- Meanwhile, L3Harris, a rapidly expanding US defense contractor, is trying to find workarounds to meet the project's deadline.
- The current Air Force One jets, two 1990s-era modified Boeing 747s, are in need of extensive maintenance, limiting Trump's travel and even driving the US military to seek a third backup plane.
- Before Trump took office, he negotiated more favorable terms with Boeing and later collaborated with Elon Musk to upgrade the project. If the Qatar aircraft conversion goes smoothly, Trump might have his own Air Force One before the elections, but it may not match the technological advancements of the eventual successors.
