Donald Trump: Inside KSh 51 Billion Jumbo Jet Qatar Royal Family Gifted US President

• The Qatar royal family recently made global headlines after gifting US President Donald Trump a Boeing 747 jumbo jet.
• With its soaring wingspan, the symbol of modern royalty is so massive that Trump admitted it was too big for him.
• TUKO.co.ke shares interior photos of the flying palace, which boasts five lounges, a grand spiral staircase, a master suite, and 11 gold-trimmed bathrooms.

Donald Trump’s gift, a new aircraft from the government of Qatar, recently arrived in the US amid an uproar from critics that he should have rejected it.

They argued that accepting the expensive gift had the potential for conflicts of interest between Trump's family businesses and public office.

The luxury 747 jumbo jet from the Gulf state came at a perfect time as the US government was set to acquire a new aircraft for $3.9 billion (KSh 503.9 billion).

However, the new jet, procured in 2024 to replace the current Air Force One, had yet to be delivered due to delays by the subcontractor, forcing the president to continue using the old aircraft bought in 1990.

Flying five-star on the Qatar jumbo jet

TUKO.co.ke shares interior photos of the Boeing 747-8, a stretch model of the jumbo that is more than 18ft longer and newer than the current Air Force One's 747-200 B.

A standard Boeing 747 is built to carry over 400 passengers, but the private version was customised for royalty.

The Daily Mail reports that the flying palace can hold approximately 90 passengers and 14 crew members.

How much is the jumbo jet?

Before gifting it to the US, the Qatari family owned the $400-million (KSh 51 billion) Boeing 747 for 13 years.

It was mostly used to fly them to their favourite destination, the Balearic gem of Mallorca, Spain, for lavish summer getaways.

Inside features of the jumbo jet

It boasts five lounges, a grand spiral staircase, a master suite, a private office, and 11 gold-trimmed bathrooms, making the flying experience unique.

Entertainment can be streamed across 40 high-definition screens and 13 Blu-ray players as guests enjoy multi-course meals prepared in one of five full kitchens.

To keep the cabin air crisp and pleasant, the jet has a specialised humidification system, accentuated by near-silent interiors and high-end soundproofing.

Its master bedroom is adorned with rich wood finishes and custom furniture, complete with an en-suite marble bath.

What modifications will the plane undergo?

BBC reports that the plane will need to be modified before it becomes the president's official mode of air transport.

It will be fitted with additional security systems and the ability to withstand the electromagnetic pulse from a nuclear blast.

Trump called the aircraft gift "too big"

After receiving the aircraft, Trump told reporters during a question-and-answer session in the Oval Office that it was "much too big.”

He also clarified that he regarded the “beautiful, big, magnificent, free aeroplane" as a gift to the US Air Force rather than a perk for him as an individual.

“They tried to say: ‘Oh, it’s Trump’s aeroplane.’ Oh, yeah, sure. It’s too big, frankly, it’s much too big,” he said.

What engine does the jumbo jet have?

The plane, which is the most expensive gift ever given to the American government, will be donated to Trump’s presidential library.

According to Boeing, the plane features the newest engine and wing combination in the industry, new advanced materials, and an updated flight deck for better performance.

It incorporates the GEnx engine, which is one of the cleanest, quietest, and most fuel-efficient turbofan engines in the world.

Source: TUKO.co.ke