Even MAGA Is Up in Arms Over Trump’s ‘Flying Grift’ From Qatar

[jerrymahoney]

My last 4 trips RT to USA on Korean were on 747 Seoul to Atlanta.

The last 3 upper deck business all recently outfitted. I spoke with one of the attendants who said she hated the 747 compared to Airbus 380: while the cabin is nice the galley was still 1970's

But that was all pre-Covid up to 2019 and now Korean is retiring their last 4 747's.

[LosLobo]

7 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

They likely did -- Qatar has been trying to sell it since 2020 and probably were the other 7.

Trump has said AF One is a prestige item and he is embarrassed with the old crate.

But he may be wanting to start off with a lemon needing huge overhaul.

The aircraft in question is 13 years old and would require an estimated $1 billion in upgrades to meet Air Force standards. It is unlikely to be ready for use during President Trump’s current term.
 

At the same time, Boeing is converting two new 747-8 aircraft into VC-25Bs — the military variant of the 747-8 and the designated replacement for Air Force One. However, the program is behind schedule, with the aircraft not expected to be operational before 2027 or 2028.
 

Given the age of the Qatari aircraft, the substantial cost of retrofitting, and the timeline involved, waiting for the VC-25Bs remains the most secure and cost-effective course of action.

[mogandave]

12 minutes ago, jerrymahoney said:

My last 4 trips RT to USA on Korean were on 747 Seoul to Atlanta.

The last 3 upper deck business all recently outfitted. I spoke with one of the attendants who said she hated the 747 compared to Airbus 380: while the cabin is nice the galley was still 1970's

But that was all pre-Covid up to 2019 and now Korean is retiring their last 4 747's.

I loved the upper deck on the 747, and I got bumped to first with my wife on Thai and got to fly in the nose. Smoothest, quietest ride ever. 

 

I like the 380 business better, but the eco blows. I spoiled flying Emirates business to Dubai every other month for a few years, and to the US a couple times. Best service ever. 

 

Flew Asiana 380s to the US a couple times, okay id a bit spartan. 

 

Korean 747 service was great.

[jerrymahoney]

When I was flying for commercial reasons starting late 1980's I would get the upper deck on United 747 because it was the only smoke-free part of the airplane as the air pressure would keep the smoke fumes down on the main level.

[BLMFem]

Look, we all know why he yearns for the Qatari 747. It's filled to the brim with golden ornaments, bathroom fittings and a toilet/throne made of gold.

He desperately wants a Pimp Force One to complement the Pimp Den (formerly the Oval Office).

[josephbloggs]

On 5/12/2025 at 2:43 PM, bkk6060 said:

A person must be very ignorant if they really think he will take that plane.  

This comment didn't age well did it. 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq855lx87z3o