The $300,000,000 Boeing 747 from Qatar to the US redefines luxury travel with spiral stairs and salons
Published on Dec 27, 2025 at 4:13 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Dec 09, 2025 at 10:14 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The $300,000,000 Boeing 747 from Qatar to the US completely redefines luxury travel.
Both Qatar and the US sent the media into meltdown earlier this year.
Said reaction came with the announcement of a gifted Boeing 747.
And it turns out that the new aircraft redefines luxury travel – with spiral stairs and salons.
DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie
Qatar’s Boeing 747 has a lot of luxury to it
The Boeing 747 being gifted by Qatar to the US is far from your typical aircraft.
Instead, it is intended to completely redefine luxury travel in the skies.
As is probably known by now, Air Force One is not a standard, luxurious airliner.
It essentially serves as a command center in the clouds, capable of in-flight refueling and military-level communication.
The current Air Force One also includes a medical suite, secure conference rooms, and staff areas.
Unlike Air Force One, the Qatar-gifted Boeing 747-8i is more akin to a flying hotel.
As opposed to military functions, this 747 comes with more social settings, such as lounges and dining settings.
And that is because, of course, the Qatar-gifted jet was never intended for presidential purposes.
Interestingly, the plane was originally ordered as a gift for the Jordanian Royal Family.
It was gifted to King Abdullah II of Jordan, and it is not subject to military or state command operations.
So, what exactly is included on board this flying hotel in the skies?
Inside, the scale of the aircraft is immediately apparent – and it is impressive.
The cabin spans about 420 square meters across two decks and seats roughly 89 passengers plus crew.
Open spaces include curved walls, wood paneling, and a gleaming staircase to the upper deck.
The main deck continues forward towards a master suite situated in the nose of the aircraft.
The master suite itself includes an enormous king-size bed, built-in counters, and an en-suite bathroom.
Behind the private quarters lies the aircraft’s social core.
The main lounge is organized into several different seating clusters.
What is interesting is that this Boeing 747 feels as much a piece of architecture as it does an operational command center.
Qatar and the US made headlines back in May
Of course, all of this was only made possible with a shock announcement back in May.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, hosted the current President of the United States, Donald Trump.
During their meeting, the Emir announced the gifting of something truly unique.
It turned out to be the gifting of an incredible Boeing 747 jet.
In fairness, Air Force One has been due an upgrade for quite some time.
The current Air Force One first entered service back in 1990.
Having been in service for 35 years, it has had several upgrades, but is due to be replaced by the newest version of the VC-25B.
But few could – or would – have imagined that it would be Qatar that replaced it.
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
