A Bold Timeline from the President
President Donald Trump claimed last month that a Boeing 747-8 jet donated by Qatar could be ready for his use as Air Force One by February 2026—well before the delayed delivery of two new presidential aircraft currently being built by Boeing.
“They say February,” Trump told reporters in late July when asked about the jet’s expected readiness. “Much sooner than the others. The others are being built.”
Trump expressed confidence that the Qatari aircraft would be operational a year-and-a-half to two years earlier than the Boeing planes ordered through the traditional U.S. Air Force procurement process.
Skepticism from Defense and Aviation Experts
However, former Defense Department officials and aviation analysts have cast serious doubt on the feasibility of that timeline.
Andrew Hunter, former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration—who oversaw a $54 billion annual budget for hundreds of acquisition programs including Air Force One—warned that the conversion would be “challenging, if not impossible” without skipping critical requirements.
“It would not be possible to replicate all the capabilities of an Air Force One on [the donated jet] in any time frame shorter than what they’re doing with [the Boeing program],” Hunter said.
Why the Timeline Is Problematic
Upgrading a foreign government’s aircraft to meet Air Force One’s rigorous security, communication, and safety standards is an extensive process. It involves classified defensive systems, secure communications infrastructure, and significant structural modifications—none of which can be rushed without compromising security.
Concerns Beyond the Clock
Legal and Ethical Questions
The idea of accepting such a high-value gift from a foreign government has drawn bipartisan scrutiny. Lawmakers and experts have questioned the legality of the arrangement and whether it could raise diplomatic or ethical concerns.
Security Risks
The Qatari Boeing 747-8 would need modifications far exceeding standard commercial jet refurbishments. While typical maintenance checks—such as a complete disassembly every six to twelve years—can take three to six weeks, the classified nature of Air Force One’s systems means the process would be significantly longer and more complex.
Where the Jet Is Now
The Qatari jet, previously parked in San Antonio for preliminary work, flew to Fort Worth Alliance Airport on June 29, according to open-source aircraft tracker ADS-B Exchange. Since then, the plane has been rarely detected on tracking systems, with its last recorded location in late July at the Texas airport.
Meanwhile, the two official Boeing aircraft continue undergoing renovations in San Antonio.
Expert Verdict: “Too Soon to Tell”
While Trump’s optimism suggests an accelerated rollout, industry professionals caution that the extensive retrofitting required for a presidential aircraft makes the February 2026 target highly unlikely.
Without waiving certain Air Force One requirements—something experts say would compromise safety and capability—the donated jet’s transformation may be far from complete by Trump’s stated date.
