Recently, tabloid headlines put out the news that the royal family of Qatar gifted a custom-built Boeing 747-8, worth around $400 million, to the United States and President Donald Trump. This news came through right before Trump visited the Middle East. But even after parting with one of the most luxurious jets in the world, the Qatari royal family still owns a fleet that is more extravagant than many small airlines.
The family’s Qatar Amiri Flight continues to operate a lineup of aircraft that showcases wealth, power, and taste for luxury unlike any other. The elite aircraft is run by its government and serves the House of Thani, the current royal family and high-ranking government officials.
As per Luxury Launches, founded in 1977 by then-Emir Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, the Qatar Amiri Flight started with modest Boeing 707s and 727s. Over the years, it has evolved into a jaw-dropping collection of jets like the coveted Gulfstream G700, which even people like Elon Musk wish they could have.
Headquartered at Doha International Airport, away from the busy commercial Hamad International, the special flights include two Boeing 747 8 Boeing Business Jets (BBJ), each valued between $350 and $400 million. These flying palaces feature gold-trimmed bathrooms, full-sized bedrooms, boardrooms, lounges, and even a medical suite.
Besides the flights mentioned above, there are two Airbus A330-200 jets, used by ministers and secondary royals, which can accommodate 60 passengers. each jet is estimated to be worth around $240 million once totally customized. As well as Airbus A340-500 jets, which can accommodate 50 seats and include private suites, showers, and office spaces.
BREAKING: Donald Trump boards the $400M luxury jet, that the Qatar government “gifted” him – for the first time. pic.twitter.com/chuNn8eyjJ
— PaulleyTicks (@PaulleyTicks) May 12, 2025
Lastly, the Qatar Amiri Flights include an Airbus A319-100 and an A320-200, both of which have been turned into Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ). These have well-equipped facilities like high-speed internet and bedrooms for up to 19 passengers, costing between $90 and $110 million each.
These jets are not only a mere luxury, but they are also the symbol and prestige of Qatari influence in front of the world. Members of the royal family, including Emir Tamim and his cousins, like Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani, continually travel to global events and enjoy vacations in London, New York, Geneva, and Beverly Hills.
The other fleet of jets also includes the Gulfstream G700, which can fly 7,500 miles nonstop. While its base price is around $95 million, customization could push it well beyond $120 million. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s gift, the custom-built Boeing 747-8, will be used as a replacement for Trump’s aircraft, Air Force One, which is currently under repair until 2027.
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While Trump claimed that the aircraft was a gift from Qatar’s royal family, reports claim that it was a donation to the United States, and Donald Trump wanted it at no cost. Trump’s acceptance of the gift immediately backfired as people started questioning if it was appropriate for the head of state to do so.
Karoline Leavitt went on to add that the royal family had decided to “donate” the plane to the US Air Force. Leavitt shared that the donation would be accepted while keeping “legal and ethical obligations” in mind.
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In addition, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, clarified the speculation and said the gift was a “government-to-government deal” while noting that it was being unnecessarily “politicized.” He added, “It’s basically part of a cooperation that we’ve been doing a lot together.”
Donald Trump visited Qatar and addressed the U.S. troops at Al-Udeid Air Base on May 14, 2025, as part of his four-day trip to the Middle East.
