Another related article was published today: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/trump-qatar-air-force-one-replacement-1.7535798
One interesting thing that the author points out is that Qatari officials are referring to the transaction as a “loan” rather than a “gift”. This seems to be part of an effort to calm ethical/legal concerns, but for me raises others. For instance, if, in visiting his area, @px_eliezer_ is kind enough to lend me his car, I’m sure he wouldn’t be too thrilled to discover that I had taken it apart “for inspection and enhancement”, rather than just taking the quick trip and returning it. How would one be able to do what is necessary to make it a properly-functional Air Force One, if we’re calling it a borrowed item?
For all the reasons we’ve been discussing over the past few days, this doesn’t make the situation make any more sense. The only way it is even close is if we conclude that he intends to skip most or all of the security work and enhancements and use it mostly as delivered. Otherwise, if they were to try doing it properly, it wouldn’t be ready for his use while he is still in office.
By similar logic, I suspect the Qataris would be offended, to put it mildly, if the gift/loan were to be accepted, then have it used for anything but presidential duties. Furthermore, why would one use a 13-year-old jet, with all of its opulent amenities removed at government expense, for any other duties. Wouldn’t a more recent jet prove more secure, ultimately cheaper, and more efficient? The only thing that might make sense would be as a source of parts for other similar Boeing designs already in use, but try explaining that one to the Qatari royal family.