Trump unveils new Air Force One, a $400 million plane gifted by Qatar
The Air Force says the 13-year-old Boeing 747-8 will serve as a secure interim jet until Boeing’s delayed replacements arrive in 2028.
- President Donald Trump officially unveiled the new Air Force One on Friday, stepping off a heavily modified Boeing 747-8 at Joint Base Andrews to the tune of "God Bless the USA."
- The aircraft is a converted $400 million luxury jet gifted by Qatar last year, designated by the U.S. Air Force as the "VC-25B Bridge" to serve as an interim presidential transport while Boeing's delayed next-generation fleet is finalized.
- The jet features a bold new red, white, and navy blue livery designed by Trump himself, replacing the iconic Kennedy-era robin's egg blue exterior that has defined presidential aircraft for decades.
- The Air Force prioritized speed and readiness over visual restructuring, opting to leave the original Qatari interior layout—including high-end finishes, staterooms, and luxury lounges—minimally changed while focusing retrofits on advanced communications and defense systems.
- The new plane will begin immediate commissioning flights, with the Trump administration aiming for the aircraft to lead a massive ceremonial flyover of Washington, D.C., on July 4th to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.
204 Articles
204 Articles
US President Donald Trump launched the new Air Force One, a nearly 37 billion rupee contract from Qatar. This luxury aircraft has sparked political controversy in the US, but Trump has described it as essential for the country.
A gift that raises questions: Donald Trump proudly presented the Jumbojet donated by Qatar as a new Air Force One. Democrats speak of "blank corruption" – Trump refers to savings in tax money.
Sydney Morning Herald
The Age“There will never be one like this’: Trump unveils the new Air Force One
President Donald Trump on Friday showed off the new Air Force One, a formerly Qatari-owned jumbo jet that has been converted into the official U.S. presidential aircraft.
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolU.S. President Donald Trump showed Friday the new Air Force One, a jumbo that formerly belonged to Qatar and has been turned into the official U.S. presidential plane.
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