World
Qatar‑Donated Boeing 747 Grounded After Less Than Three Months of Service
A Boeing 747 that Qatar gifted to the United States has been grounded after less than three months of service as Air Force One. The aircraft, worth $400 million, was formally accepted by the U.S. and converted into a presidential plane by the Air Force and contractor L3Harris. The conversion, completed in record time, retained much of the original exterior to save time and money while adding Air Force One‑grade security features beneath the surface. The jet entered official service on July 1, 2026, but a source told ABC News that it is now undergoing further cosmetic work, interior modifications, and undisclosed technical and security‑related modernizations. While the plane remains grounded, President Biden is using the older Boeing VC‑25A fleet for travel. The White House has not announced a completion date for the 747‑8’s return to service. The current Air Force One, the VC‑25B Bridge, is expected to retire before the end of the current administration, no later than January 2029. The cost and timeline of the VC‑25B program have not been fully disclosed, as funding is included in broader classified military budgets. The Qatar‑donated 747’s interior, including “fake books,” serves a real purpose in the aircraft’s security and functionality. The conversion process was completed in about eight months, a rapid turnaround compared to the delayed VC‑25B program.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the Qatar‑donated Boeing 747 grounded after less than three months of service?
The aircraft is undergoing further cosmetic work, interior modifications, and undisclosed technical and security‑related modernizations.
When is the Qatar‑donated 747 expected to return to service?
The White House has not announced a completion date for the 747‑8’s return to service.