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US President Donald Trump is eager to receive a jet from the Qatari government.

ABC News reported that the Qatari Royal Family gifted the Trump administration a Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet.

The plane, which is the most expensive gift ever given to the American government, will be used as Air Force One.

The jet will first be received by the US defence forces and later donated to Trump’s presidential library.

President Trump welcomed the gift, noting that it will replace the 40-year-old Air Force One.

Qatari authorities confirmed that the transfer of the aeroplane is yet to be finalised between the two countries' defence authorities.

According to Boeing, the plane features the newest engine and wing combination in the industry, new advanced materials, and an updated flight deck for better performance.

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter incorporate the GEnx engine, one of the cleanest, quietest, and most fuel-efficient turbofan engines in the world.

It also extensively incorporates new generation aluminium alloys—the same as those on the 777—and graphite composites in the flaps, spoilers, nacelles, and rudder.

The materials are more durable and better able to resist corrosion and damage, which reduces maintenance and increases the time an aeroplane is available and productive.

The plane is estimated to cost $400 million (KSh 51.7 billion) when new. However, the Qatari jet gifted to Trump is said to be over 10 years old.

The US government earlier sought to buy a new aircraft for $3.9 billion (KSh 503.9 billion) to replace the current Air Force One in 2024.

According to France24, however, there were delays in the delivery by the subcontractor.

This forced Air Force One, which has been in action since 1990, to continue serving the US president.

Dubbed the world's most iconic plane, Air Force One has in-flight refuelling capability, meaning it can stay in the air almost indefinitely.

The plane has a hardened electronics system that protects against electromagnetic pulses, whether from nuclear explosions or hostile jammers, allowing the aircraft to function as a mobile command centre in the event of an attack on the United States.

The extensive communications and security upgrades allow the president to communicate with the ground. The head of state can send a social media message while in mid-air.

Some of the security measures in the plane include countermeasures that can jam enemy radars and infrared tracking systems.

Source: TUKO.co.ke