Qatar Plane Conversion into Air Force One Could Cost $1.5 Billion/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump wants to use a donated Qatari jet as a temporary Air Force One, but major security retrofits may delay or complicate the plan. Experts estimate upgrades could reach $1.5 billion, with possible corners cut to fast-track the process. Trump may waive some safeguards to meet his deadline before the new Boeing aircraft are ready.
Trump’s Qatar Jet Plan: Quick Looks
- Trump seeks to convert a Qatari jet into Air Force One, emphasizing urgency and minimal delay.
- Security upgrades could cost up to $1.5 billion, possibly delaying usage for years.
- Experts say skipping key defenses could speed timeline, but at national security risk.
- Upgrades include anti-missile systems, nuclear shielding, encrypted comms, and structural reinforcements.
- White House insists on adhering to safety protocols, though final decisions may rest with Trump.
- Air Force already grappling with Boeing 747 retrofits, plagued by delays and cost overruns.
- Trump toured the Qatar jet in February, praising its luxury and asserting it was “free.”
- Critics, including Sen. Duckworth, call the move risky, citing nuclear survivability and taxpayer waste.
Deep Look: Trump’s Push to Convert Qatar Jet Into Air Force One Raises Security, Cost Questions
By TARA COPP and CHRIS MEGERIAN | June 7, 2025 | AP
President Donald Trump is pressing forward with plans to convert a luxury jet gifted by the Qatari royal family into a functioning Air Force One, but experts warn the endeavor could cost over $1.5 billion and potentially compromise critical national security protections.
As legal teams finalize terms of the aircraft’s transfer, U.S. defense officials and engineers are assessing how to retrofit the jet for presidential use — a process typically spanning years of modifications, certifications, and real-world testing. Trump, however, is eager to fast-track the project, potentially skipping features traditionally deemed essential.
What Makes an Air Force One?
“Air Force One” is technically any aircraft carrying the U.S. president, but to qualify in practice, it must meet elite military and security specifications. This includes:
- Four engines for in-flight redundancy
- Shielding against electromagnetic pulses (EMPs)
- Advanced encrypted communications
- Anti-missile and surveillance defenses
- Secure command capabilities in crisis scenarios
Such measures ensure the president can survive attacks and lead the nation, even during a nuclear event.
“The point is, it remains in flight no matter what,” said former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James.
$1.5 Billion Retrofit? Maybe More
Converting the Qatari jet could cost up to $1.5 billion, according to a U.S. official. That estimate includes rewiring, armoring, and equipping the aircraft with secure military systems.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink recently told Congress that expected costs are closer to $400 million, but lawmakers remain skeptical. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) pointed out that the current 747 retrofits cost around $1 billion per plane, and involve similar work.
“There’s no shortcut for national security,” said Courtney.
James warned that even basic upgrades like rewiring would be “an almost full gut job.” Others, including Secret Service veterans, say Trump could waive some requirements, such as EMP shielding or mid-air refueling, which Boeing already removed from the newer 747 builds.
Trump’s Timeline vs. Reality
Trump’s urgency is driven by his desire to fly on a modern presidential aircraft before his term ends. He reportedly told aides, “We need it as Air Force One until the other ones are done.”
He’s also claimed the jet came “for free” — a statement that obscures the hundreds of millions in potential modification costs.
Yet skipping key systems for speed may expose the U.S. to heightened vulnerabilities. Experts say even small lapses, like unshielded communications, could be exploited by adversaries.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) voiced strong opposition: “It would be irresponsible to put the president aboard without knowing it’s capable of withstanding a nuclear attack.”
Maintenance, Delays, and Boeing’s Troubles
Boeing’s official Air Force One replacements — two heavily modified 747-8s — remain behind schedule and over budget, plagued by issues like cabin noise, stress corrosion, and decompression flaws, per a GAO report.
Trump’s Qatari jet does need maintenance, but not beyond what’s expected of its class, an Air Force official said. However, testing for presidential-level missions would add additional time even after modifications are complete.
As for aesthetics, Trump is reportedly adamant about customizing the color scheme to reflect his personal branding — a darker red-white-and-blue paint job that replaces the iconic light blue.
What’s Next?
- Legal clearance for the gift is underway.
- Technical assessments and security planning are in progress.
- White House and Pentagon briefings are expected in the coming weeks.
- Boeing’s slow progress may push Trump to demand faster certification of the Qatari jet.
Former Air Force Secretary James warns of political overreach: “Delays in certification are normal, but things seem to get waived these days when the president wants it.”
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