US President calls the $400m aircraft unmatched, thanks Qatar for the luxury Boeing 747 gift.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday took his first flight aboard a newly upgraded Boeing 747 donated by Qatar’s royal family, describing it as “maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built.”
The aircraft landed at Joint Base Andrews after Trump returned from North Dakota, where he attended events marking the upcoming opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said he was honoured to travel on the aircraft and praised its design and capabilities.
“This is the first flight of what I believe is perhaps the greatest commercial aircraft ever built,” Trump said, adding that Boeing had described it as the finest plane of its kind.
The luxury aircraft, estimated to be worth about $400 million, was gifted by Qatar without any stated conditions. The donation has, however, reignited debate in Washington, with critics questioning the legal, ethical and national security implications of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign ally.
The aircraft has been refurbished with a new white, red and navy-blue livery and fitted with several upgrades, making it comparable to Trump’s personal aircraft.
Trump defended the decision to accept the jet, saying the current Air Force One fleet is ageing and in need of replacement.
“Our Air Force One was 35 or 36 years old, and it didn’t reflect the image our country should project when parked alongside newer aircraft,” Trump said. “The country should be proud of this plane. It’s beautiful.”
The president also argued that acquiring a comparable aircraft through the usual government procurement process would have cost significantly more.
“This was a gift from a country that has treated us very well and is a close ally in the Middle East,” Trump said, referring to Qatar. He added that Boeing had told him there was no aircraft comparable to the one owned by Qatar.
“Frankly, we couldn’t build a plane like this because we wouldn’t be willing to spend the kind of money it would require. They spared no expense,” Trump said.
