Air Force 1 - or Should it be Q1?

[PeterRS]

We all remember the fuss Trump made prior to his first inaugural when he blasted Boeing for delays in delivery of 'his' new Presidential 747. Of course we know it's actually two Air Force 1s because where one flies, the other is virtually on its tail so no one knows which of the two the President actually has his ass on.

With Boeing still unable to deliver until 2027 or even 2028, today comes news that Trump's continued annoyance at Boeing may lead to him acquiring from the Qatar government one of their 747-800 aircraft as the new Presidential Air Force 1. The White House says it is in negotiations with the Qataris. And of course where is Trump headed to on his upcoming overseas trip? You guessed it. Qatar. If the deal goes ahead, will it be a gift? If so it will be hidebound by all the usual US government restrictions. Not that that will concern Trump. As his spinmistress said, "President Trump is committed to full transparency." Oh really? This will then likely be the first occasion! And on his Truth Social at the weekend, Trump claimed it would be a gift at no cost!

But there is another issue. Will it be one plane or two? For the 747-800 which is now flown only by Lufthansa in its passenger version, has a much longer stretched upper deck than the 747-200s currently in use. It will therefore look considerably different from Air Force 2. Does anyone believe that the Qatari jet with presumably its gold fittings and other accoutrements suitable for a mega-rich head of state - the Qataris have already said it will be a "flying palace"! - will fly empty while the Donald slums it in Air Force 2?

And what's the betting that if the deal goes ahead, that "gift" will end up as the replacement for the ageing Trump family 757! Oh how the Donald loves his toys - but only the ones that cost hundreds of millions!

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5ell3gkxvo

[captainmick]

747-800 passenger version is flown by Korean Air and Air China as well as Lufthansa. 

[unicorn]

I can't imagine that this gift is legal. 

[floridarob]

12 minutes ago, unicorn said:

I can't imagine that this gift is legal. 

When has that stopped him?

[Moses]

1 hour ago, unicorn said:

I can't imagine that this gift is legal. 

It is 100% legal if it is gift "to United States" and Trump will leave it on the balance of presidential library when he will leave oval office.

[KeepItReal]

5 hours ago, unicorn said:

I can't imagine that this gift is legal. 

Not only does it feel highly inappropriate (aka it is buying influence) but the security concerns are real. They will have to pull it apart to look for listening devices, tracking devices, electronic countermeasures etc.

[vinapu]

52 minutes ago, KeepItReal said:

Not only does it feel highly inappropriate (aka it is buying influence) but the security concerns are real. 

it's laughable , like richest country in the world can't fund and aircraft or two   for his highest officer it elected with such enthusiasm.

As for security concerns my guess is a lot of people would he relieved it it malfunctioned mid -air with his orange occupant aboard

[unicorn]

10 hours ago, Moses said:

It is 100% legal if it is gift "to United States" and Trump will leave it on the balance of presidential library when he will leave oval office.

Apparently his plan was to keep the plane after he left office.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, unicorn said:

Apparently his plan was to keep the plane after he left office.

he will be 82 then , perhaps wheelchair would be more suitable gift , even if gold or at least painted gold