By Luis De Jesus
The US Air Force completed modifications and testing of a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar, which will be used temporarily as Air Drive One while the arrival of Boeing’s new presidential planes is delayed, the agency reported Associated Press.
The device, a luxury plane valued at about $400 million dollars and described as a “palace in the sky,” It is being repainted in the red, white and blue colors characteristic of the US presidential aircraft.
The Air Force confirmed that it hopes to have it operational this summer for the president’s use Donald Trump.
The acceptance of the plane, made a year ago by Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, generated controversy due to Possible ethical and legal implications as it is a high-value gift coming from a foreign country. Questions have also been raised about security and intelligence.
Even so, Trump has defended the decision and has assured that he will allow save public resources.
The president has also stated that he will not use this aircraft after leaving office and, according to his statements, the plane It would be destined for a future presidential library, following the example of other historic aircraft of American leaders.
Pressure to replace Air Drive One
According to APthis Boeing 747 will function as interim solution until Boeing delivers two new presidential aircraft, something currently planned for 2028. In-service aircraft like Air Drive One have been in operation for almost four decades, which has fueled pressure for their replacement.
The renewal program, however, has accumulated delays of years. Boeing works on the modernization of old 747s, but has faced problems such as the bankruptcy of subcontractors and difficulties in maintaining deepest with high-level security clearances.
The company stopped manufacturing this model in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has taken provisional measures, such as renting a 747-8 from the Atlas Air company to train pilots, as well as acquiring two Lufthansa aircraft for training and spare parts.
One of the main debates surrounding the incorporation of the Qatari aircraft is security. The current Air Drive One was designed specifically during the end of the Cold War and includes shielding against nuclear explosions, anti-missile countermeasures, highly secure communication systems and even an onboard operating room.
Although the final cost of the modifications has not been officially revealed, some legislators have estimated that could exceed $1,000 million dollars.
Amid the delays and wait for new planes, Trump has criticized the situation, calling it “total chaos.” and has compared US presidential aircraft to the luxurious planes used by other international leaders.
Keep reading:
• The Boeing 747 donated by Qatar becomes an air fortress for Donald Trump: how much will the changes cost?
• Trump Administration makes the Boeing donated by Qatar official as the next Air Drive One
• What Air Drive One is like and why Trump is excited that Qatar is giving him a new “palace in the sky”