President Donald Trump’s confirmation Sunday that the United States may accept a presidential aircraft gifted from Qatar marked the latest escalation in his clash with Boeing, which is years behind on its government contract to build the new Air Force One.

The two 747-200s that serve as the American president’s command center in the sky are more than 30 years old and were meant to be phased out of service years ago.

President Donald Trump on Monday said Qatar had made a "very nice gesture" in offering the U.S. a 747 jet to act as Air Force One, blaming the need for any such donation on delays at U.S. manufacturer Boeing.