The U.S. government and Qatar are finalizing an agreement for Qatar to donate a Boeing 747-8 as Air Force One. The Department of Defense will maintain the aircraft. Awaiting final approval, the deal is under scrutiny due to concerns about legality and potential political implications of the donation. The memorandum clarifies that it is not an invitation for bribery and does not restrict future use, except for compliance with U.S. law. Renovation of the plane may take years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The United States government and Qatar are expected to finalize an agreement next week to receive a jet for use as Air Force One.
Qatar will send the Boeing 747-8 aircraft as an unconditional 'donation' to the Department of Defense, which will then be responsible for its maintenance.
Finishing the agreement will allow the U.S. Air Force to begin renovating the plane for use as Air Force One, a process that may cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
The document references concerns about the donation, stating that nothing in the MoU shall be construed as an offer, promise or acceptance of bribery.
Collection
[
|
...
]