Trump unveils Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 as new Air Force One

U.S. President Donald Trump has officially unveiled a new Air Force One aircraft that was gifted by the Qatari government, saying it will take part in a ceremonial flyover over Washington on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Trump appeared at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on June 19, where he toured the Boeing 747 before stepping out of the aircraft and delivering remarks. The jet features a red, white, and dark-blue colour scheme, a departure from the lighter blue design used on previous presidential aircraft, foreign media reports. 

“Nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country. Nobody even comes close,” Trump said.

The president said the aircraft would lead a large-scale flyover on Independence Day, involving multiple military planes.

“The likes of which we’ve never seen before,” he said, adding that the jet is “the largest and the greatest in every aspect.” He also described it as “a flying White House at a level of luxury no one has ever seen before.”

The Boeing 747 is estimated to be worth around $400 million, though officials and aviation experts say the cost of modifying and securing the aircraft for presidential use could exceed $1 billion.

The Qatari government’s role in providing the aircraft has already drawn bipartisan criticism in the United States, with concerns raised over security implications and ethical considerations linked to accepting such a high-value gift.

The aircraft will be used for official presidential duties, but the White House has said it will eventually be transferred to Trump’s presidential library foundation after he leaves office.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed in a statement that the aircraft has begun “initial commissioning flights” to ensure it can safely transport the president and support operational requirements. It described the plane, referred to as the VC-25B Bridge, as a “secure, modified executive platform.”

The Air Force also said the new aircraft would help reduce pressure on the existing presidential fleet, which currently includes two Boeing 747s used for Air Force One duties.

“Relieve pressure” on the current fleet, the Air Force said, as it continues preparations for full integration of the aircraft into presidential transport operations.

By Sabina Mammadli