Trump Unveils Qatari-Gifted 747 as Temporary Air Force One
US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i that will serve as a temporary Air Force One. The aircraft, previously owned by Qatar, will begin commissioning flights before taking over presidential travel duties early next month.
The aircraft's livery has been changed from the pale blue used since the George H W Bush administration to a red, white, and navy blue design. The tail features a wavy American flag. Trump described the jet as "the world's most luxurious plane" and noted that it is approximately 14 years old.
At an event at Joint Base Andrews, Trump said the larger size of the new jet is a significant difference. He contrasted it with the older Boeing VC-25As that have served as the presidential plane since 1990.
Trump explained that he turned to the Emir of Qatar for the aircraft due to delays in Boeing's contract to build replacement Air Force One jets. The administration formally accepted the jet last July, and modifications have been underway in Texas since September to meet security and communications requirements. The aircraft had logged about 800 flight hours before the handover.
The Qatari jet is intended as a stopgap until two new Boeing aircraft are ready, expected around 2028. One of the two current Air Force One jets is undergoing maintenance; the other will continue operating alongside the newly gifted jet. Trump's return from the G7 summit in France last week was the final scheduled trip aboard the previous plane, which will likely be retired to a museum.
An Air Force statement confirmed that the VC-25B Bridge aircraft had arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and would begin initial commissioning flights. Officials have placed the cost of security modifications at under $400 million.
