Shaken, Not Stirred: Trump Eyes Qatari Jet Amidst Air Force One Fiasco

A Licence to Fly (Almost)

Well well well what do we have here? It seems even the most powerful man in the world can't get things on time these days. Word on the street – or rather from a 'person familiar with the matter' – is that the Yanks are tinkering with a Qatari government jumbo jet. Apparently the Boeing boys are dragging their feet on the new Air Force One and someone’s got to keep up appearances. As I always say 'Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.' And Boeing? They're testing my patience.

Boeing's Overruns: A Quantum of Solace? More Like a Quantum of Waste!

Trump bless his heart isn't one to mince words. He's grumbling about the delays and rightfully so. These Boeing blokes are costing more than a night at the casino in Monte Carlo – we're talking over $2 billion in overruns! Makes you wonder if they're spending more time at the bar than in the hangar. 'A martini. Shaken not stirred,' should be the motto of the entire operation given how chaotic it all sounds.

Enter L3Harris: The Spy Who Fixed It?

Enter L3Harris stage right. They're the ones tasked with giving this Qatari chariot the 'presidential' makeover. Let's hope they're better at sticking to a schedule than Boeing otherwise we might see POTUS hitching a ride on a camel. And that my friends would be a photo op no one wants to see.

Elon Musk: For Your Eyes Only (Maybe)

Ah Elon Musk. Always sticking his nose where it’s not… entirely unwelcome. Apparently he was advising Boeing on how to get the planes delivered sooner. Honestly if I needed a jet fixed I’d probably ask Q first. But Musk? Well he's certainly... eccentric. Perhaps he could have suggested a rocket booster to get things moving? 'The name's Bond Space Bond.'

The Fighter Jet Deal: Die Another Day…Or Buy Another Plane

But here's the kicker: while Boeing's twiddling their thumbs on Air Force One they snagged a juicy fighter jet contract worth billions! It seems the Americans are willing to forgive and forget especially when it comes to shiny new toys that can 'Die Another Day'. Trump promises America's enemies won't see it coming. I'd be more worried about the taxpayers not seeing where all their money is going.

The World is Not Enough (Planes That Is)

So there we have it. A Qatari jet a delayed Air Force One and a shiny new fighter jet. The Americans are certainly keeping their options open even if it means patching up a second hand jumbo. One thing's for sure: in the world of international politics just like in my line of work 'The World Is Not Enough'… planes that is. Now if you'll excuse me I have a martini to finish. And a few leads to chase.