In the world of luxury aviation, few aircraft rival the grandeur and scale of the Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar’s royal family to former U.S. President Donald Trump — a flying palace worth an astonishing $400 million.
Once a part of the Qatar Amiri Flight — the official royal fleet — this jet has undergone a multi-year transformation into one of the most extravagant aircraft ever built, essentially a Trump Tower in the sky.
Originally delivered in 2012 under the registration A7-HBJ, the jet was used exclusively by Qatar’s ruling elite. The VIP interior was completely redesigned by Swiss firm AMAC Aerospace between 2012 and 2015, fusing cutting-edge technology with opulence and craftsmanship.
While a standard 747-8 seats over 400 passengers, this bespoke configuration accommodates just 90 guests and 14 crew members. The remaining space is dedicated to five lavish lounges, a spiral staircase, a master bedroom suite with its own luxury bathroom, fully equipped kitchens, and spa-grade amenities rivaling five-star hotel suites.
In total, the aircraft features 11 bathrooms — each outfitted with gold-plated fixtures, marble surfaces, heated floors, bidets, and refined design touches. Its five full-service kitchens can prepare gourmet, multi-course meals mid-flight, with every inch of the cabin engineered for comfort during long-haul intercontinental travel.
The entertainment system is equally impressive: 40 high-resolution screens, including five 55-inch panels, supported by Blu-ray players, AVOD servers, and five Global Entertainment Server systems offering games, licensed films, and streaming content — all available in-flight.
Connectivity is guaranteed through dual high-speed satellite networks (Panasonic Ku-band and Honeywell JetWave Ka-band), managed by a Honeywell CX900 router that seamlessly switches between networks to ensure continuous internet access, live TV, and secure communications.
Comfort and quiet are maintained by a multi-zone thermal and acoustic insulation system, with average cabin noise levels of just 50–52 decibels. A specialized water system ensures hot and cold water in all kitchens and bathrooms, complemented by air humidifiers for improved cabin atmosphere.
For security, the jet includes a state-of-the-art anti-intrusion system, HD surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and remote monitoring capabilities. All systems meet the strictest international safety standards, with fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the cabin.
Flight records show the aircraft departed Doha on March 30, 2025, stopped in Paris and Bangor, Maine, and arrived in San Antonio, Texas, on April 3. It is now being outfitted by L3Harris — the sixth-largest Pentagon contractor — with top-level presidential communication and defense systems.
Once upgrades are complete, this 747-8 will become the fastest (1,046 km/h), longest-range (14,300 km), and longest (76 meters) Air Force One in history. As the U.S. awaits the next generation of presidential aircraft, this flying marvel will temporarily serve as the primary aircraft of the President of the United States.
