Preparations are currently underway to refit the Qatari jet that will be used as Air Force One, and floor plans or schematics have been seen by senior US officials, said media reports on Tuesday.

As per reports, a memorandum of understanding between Qatar and the US Defense Department, outlines the ‘unconditional donation’ of a Boeing 747-8 jumbo aircraft. The MoU was signed earlier this month by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Qatar’s deputy prime minister and minister of state for defense affairs.

It does not specifically mention Air Force One, but says the jet can be used by the Pentagon ‘in any manner it deems appropriate.’ 

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the Qatari royal family was donating a Boeing 747-8 for his use. Valued at $400m, the jumbo jet is set to be donated to Trump’s presidential library after his term is over. Trump, in May, called it a ‘gift.’

“They knew about it because they buy Boeings, they buy a lot of Boeings, and they knew about it, and they said, we would like to do something,” Trump said. “And if we can get a 747 as a contribution to our Defense Department to use during a couple of years while they’re building other ones, I think that was a very nice gesture. Now I could be a stupid person and say, ‘Oh no, we don’'t want a free plane.’”

“Nothing in this MOU is, or shall be interpreted or construed as an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice,” the memorandum states. “The parties affirm that the donation is a bona fide gift.”

The jet will be donated ‘as is,’ which would mean the Pentagon is responsible for any costs to upgrade the plane to enhance its security. 

The funds to refit the plane are expected to come from ‘excess to need’ funds in the Sentinel program, but will not impact that program, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink told the US Congress. The Sentinel is the US military program to replace the 400 silo-based nuclear Minuteman III missiles across the country.

The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the US government and Qatar are expected to finalize the agreement this week. The next step will be for the Air Force to begin work on the plane, which is in Texas.

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