The U.S. Air Force is aiming to deliver a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar on or around July 4, with the aircraft planned to join the Air Force One fleet in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary, according to a U.S. official and another source familiar with the program. The effort focuses on upgrading the jet to presidential standards. One report says the White House accepted the aircraft from Qatar in 2025 and directed the Air Force to expedite the overhaul. It also states that L3Harris has been selected to perform the upgrades. The outlets agree that the timing is tied to the Independence Day window and that the aircraft would be used for presidential travel once modifications are completed. No additional details are provided in the excerpts about the specific scope of work beyond the upgrades required to meet Air Force One requirements, nor are the sources explicit about any contingency plans if the deadline slips.
U.S. targets Fourth of July delivery of Qatar-gifted 747 to join Air Force One fleet
The U.S. Air Force is aiming to deliver a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar on or around July 4, with the aircraft planned to join the Air Force One fleet in time for the United States’ 250th anniversary, ac...
- The U.S. Air Force targets a July 4 delivery for a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar.
- The aircraft is planned to join the Air Force One fleet in time for the U.S. 250th anniversary.
- The program involves upgrading the jet to presidential standards.
- One account says the White House accepted the aircraft from Qatar in 2025.
- L3Harris is reported to be involved in the overhaul if the schedule is met.
The US Air Force is targeting a Fourth of July delivery for a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar that would join the Air Force One fleet in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary, a US official and a person familiar with the programme said. The White House accepted the luxury jet from Qatar in 2025 and asked the Air Force to rapidly upgrade the aircraft to presidential standards, with L3Harris tapped to carry out the overhaul. If the company meets its deadline, US President Donald Trump will have a...
3 months agoBy Mike StoneWASHINGTON, May 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Air Force is targeting a Fourth of July delivery for a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar that would join the Air Force One fleet in time for the nation's 250th anniversary, a U.S. official and a person familiar with the program said.
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