The U.S. Department of Defense has officially accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar for potential use as Air Force One, according to a Pentagon statement.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated the jet was accepted in line with federal regulations, and the Department will ensure it meets all necessary security and mission standards for presidential transport.
At a Senate hearing, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink said the Air Force has been directed to begin planning modifications to the aircraft to make it suitable for carrying President Donald Trump. An Air Force representative added that a classified contract would be awarded to handle the necessary upgrades.
Meanwhile, Boeing continues work on two new Air Force One aircraft, though the project has faced prolonged delays.
