In the wake of extensive delays and budget overruns for the building of two new ‘Air Force One’ 747-8s, the US Department of Defense is preparing to take delivery of a lavishly appointed Boeing 747-8 private jet as a stopgap.
The Boeing 747-8KB was delivered to Qatar Amiri Flight in April 2012 with registration A7-HJA. It was subsequently used by the House of Thani with registration A7-HBJ, a nod to the initials of Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani, former Qatari Prime Minister and the primary user of the jet. Over a decade later, in June 2023, it was delivered to Global Jet Isle of Man, acquiring a new registration once more – P4-HBJ, with the P4 signifying it is registered in Aruba, a popular flag of convenience for private jets.
When (and if) it is officially transferred to the DoD, it will have a new registration again. Whether it will retain its HBJ suffix remains to be seen, but it could well take on something more patriotic, such as DJT, for instance. The current Air Force One 747s have tail numbers 28000 and 29000, so it may not follow traditional registration formats at all.
Whatever the tail number, the free-of-charge transfer of this VIP jet to the US is considered one of the most expensive diplomatic gifts of all time. But what will President Trump actually be getting? Let’s take a look.
Inside the Qatari Boeing 747-8 private jet
The 747 interior was originally designed and outfitted by design house Cabinet Alberto Pinto. The firm has completed many custom VIP jet interiors in the past, but the 747-8 is the largest and most ambitious private jet project it has ever worked on. It took four years to complete and is often described as a ‘flying mansion.’
Taking cues from the cabins of superyachts and luxury apartments, the interior is dominated by a mix of textures and materials, with clever backlighting to accentuate features or to make furniture appear to float.
The cabin is 4,500 square feet (418 square meters), and usually an aircraft of this size would carry up to 450 passengers. This jet accommodates far fewer, although in much nicer surroundings.
The entryway to the jet features curved walls and a lit staircase to the upper deck. Up the stairs, in the 747’s iconic ‘hump,’ is a living room complete with bookshelves, a corner sofa and a giant flat screen TV.
Behind the living area is a children’s play space and the crew quarters. The 747-8 has the largest upper deck of any 747, so it comfortably accommodates the crew and these other rooms.
On the lower deck, the 747 has been designed with home touches in mind. Private office spaces are complemented with recliner leather chairs and entertainment systems. Various small meeting spaces are scattered around the deck, with the 747’s cavernous cabin able to accommodate many rooms.
The centerpiece of the jet is its main living space, which features three full size sofas and vaulted ceilings. Furnishings are designer and bespoke, including a wacapou wood table with a goatskin top.
Opposite the seating area is a round table, perfect for dining or even a game of cards. Various other seating options are within the main lounge, including pairs of recliners with tables in between, ideal for private chats and intimate drinks.
Further aft, a private office space features more bookshelves and a table for four. While it’s been decked out as an office, the table can also double as a dining space for a more private dinner.
Throughout the jet, seating is high-end, with luxurious leather and electronically controlled recline functions.
Guest bedrooms are furnished in similar opulence, and all have en suite facilities.
Right at the back of the aircraft is a cabin of business class seating, ideal for hosting an entourage or other staff. For President Trump, this may well serve as the press seating – a significant upgrade from the economy class seating usually reserved for media on the current Air Force One 747s.
President Trump’s quarters on the Boeing 747-8 private jet
For President Trump, the Boeing 747-8 private jet boasts a luxurious en suite bedroom. This master suite is located in the nose of the aircraft, directly under the cockpit. It’s the most private area of the aircraft, and the quietest as it’s the furthest from the engines.
The bedroom features a large bed with a tan leather base, plus a two-seat sofa for relaxing in private. Sidewalls are lined with counters and storage, while a door leads on to the en suite bathroom.
In the bathroom, there is a walk-in shower, a full size vanity with a mirror and sink. Gold accents complement the dark wood trims, and the cream color palette makes the plane look modern and high end.
Speaking to Altitudes Magazine, Yves Pickardt, project lead, commented that, “The owner gave us carte blanche. He wasn’t looking for anything outrageously luxurious, with gold and diamonds. On the contrary, he called for some simplicity, which in the end is indeed the true luxury.”
Four years of labor went into this enormous Boeing 747-8 private jet. “Such a project is a dream come true that happens only once or twice in a designer’s lifetime,” continued Pickardt. “In a way, this is a landmark in aviation history.”
There has been no indication that President Trump intends to alter the interior of the jet in any way. Certainly, the gold walls, plush carpeting and luxurious style is very in-keeping with the President’s known aesthetic, so we can expect any cosmetic changes to be minor.
The major changes will be around installing the necessary communication and security systems required on any aircraft operating as Air Force One. Defense contractor L3 Harris has been tasked with overhauling the plane to meet the DoD’s requirements.
