U.S. Air Force Begins Qatari 747-8 Conversion for Presidential Aircraft Role

The U.S. Air Force has officially begun converting a Boeing 747-8 gifted by the government of Qatar into a presidential executive airlift aircraft, a senior Air Force spokesperson confirmed on Monday, September 15. The project—described internally as “executive airlift support”—is highly classified, with few public details available about scope, cost, or full specifications.

The aircraft will undergo extensive modifications to meet the stringent security, communications, and operational requirements necessary for presidential transport. The conversion process includes stripping the airframe to its skeleton to install advanced communications suites, secure data networks, and defensive countermeasures capable of protecting the President and senior U.S. officials under any circumstances.

While the actual cost of the retrofit remains classified, some lawmakers estimate it could approach US$1 billion. During a June 2025 congressional hearing, Air Force Secretary Troy Meinkert said the funding is being pulled from the Northrop Grumman LGM-35A Sentinel missile program, underscoring the scale and priority of preparing this donated 747-8 for presidential duty.

The decision to accept and convert the Qatari 747-8 has prompted bipartisan concern. Republican Senator Ted Cruz warned in May of “significant espionage and surveillance problems,” while Democratic Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cited potential counterintelligence risks from granting a foreign nation possible access to sensitive U.S. systems or communications.

Conversion efforts are expected to take about one year to complete, making the Qatari aircraft a stopgap solution pending delays in the official Air Force One replacement program. Under that program, two new Boeing 747-8-based VC-25Bs are being produced as purpose-built presidential aircraft. However, the VC-25B project has been plagued with delays and is not anticipated to be fully operational for several more years.

The Qatari 747-8 conversion fills a critical gap as the aging VC-25A fleet (based on the older 747-200B airframes) nears retirement. The VC-25B has enhanced capabilities: about 250 feet long, with a 224-foot wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 987,000 pounds. Powered by four GE GEnx engines, it is designed for a range of about 7,800 nautical miles. Other upgrades over the VC-25A include integral airstairs, improved electrical systems, and modernized defensive and communications gear.

President Donald Trump, who accepted the Qatari gift, has stated that he will use the aircraft until the end of his term. After his presidency, ownership of the plane is expected to be transferred to his presidential library foundation. The arrangement has sparked ethical debate. Critics argue that accepting a foreign gift of such high value may potentially violate the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which requires congressional approval for gifts from foreign governments.

This interim presidential aircraft underscores both the urgent need to replace the VC-25A fleet and the complex legal, ethical, and security challenges involved in integrating foreign-donated aircraft into national security roles. As the Air Force proceeds with conversion, all eyes will be on how the project balances operational readiness, constitutional oversight, and long‐term plans for the fully purpose-built VC-25B replacements.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnn.com