Why Trump’s Qatari Jumbo Jet Joke Backfires: Unpacking the Real Story

Qatar faced a challenge with a large, costly jet—dubbed “a palace in the sky.” Maintaining such an extravagant aircraft became burdensome, similar to owning a gas-guzzling Hummer that no longer impresses anyone. These days, Qatari officials prefer smaller, more efficient planes that can easily blend in.

So, what to do with this massive jet? As one expert noted, the market for it is tough. Enter Donald Trump, who might just be the answer they were looking for.

While some think Qatar offered the jet to win favor with Trump, the simpler truth is that they want to move it on. The lavish aircraft was put up for sale in 2020, but it hasn’t found a buyer. Giving it away could help Qatar significantly cut down on ongoing maintenance and storage costs.

This trend isn’t just a Qatari issue. The global appetite for such gigantic, extravagant jets has sharply declined. Many governments and royal families have tried to sell their large planes over the past decade, but interest remains low. According to aviation experts, the jet costs about $23,000 per hour to operate, leading to the Qatari jet flying only 1,069 hours in five years.

Trump has been frustrated with Boeing delays on new jets meant for presidential travel. Originally scheduled for 2024, delivery has now pushed to 2029. He envisions using the Qatari jet while he waits, potentially making it part of his presidential library down the line.

Trump commented on this on his Truth Social platform, saying, “Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country.” However, accepting the jet brings its own issues. Legally, Trump may need Congressional approval for such a gift, and some political figures are even calling it “espionage.”

Experts caution against thinking it would be straightforward to modify the jet for presidential use. Transforming it into a secure airborne command center would cost hundreds of millions and could take years, especially given Boeing’s current supply chain struggles.

Owning a jumbo jet might feel like a dream, but as the Qataris likely know, the fun of owning such a luxury fades quickly.



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