President Donald Trump has unveiled a converted Qatari luxury jet that is set to join the Air Force One fleet as a temporary presidential aircraft.
The Boeing 747 was shown Friday at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump toured the aircraft and praised what he called “the world’s most luxurious plane,” according to Reuters.
The aircraft was donated by Qatar and modified for presidential use before being painted in a red, white, dark blue and gold livery chosen by Trump.
The jet is meant to serve as a bridge aircraft while Boeing continues work on two delayed replacement presidential planes.
The Qatari Jet Changes the Air Force One Look
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The most visible change is the paint. ABC7, carrying CNN Wire, reported that the familiar light blue color scheme has been replaced by a navy-and-white fuselage cut through with red stripes.
Reuters reported that the aircraft also includes gold in the design. Trump said the rest of the Air Force One fleet would eventually carry the same look.
ABC News reported that Trump pointed out the wavy American flag painted on the tail fin and said he preferred it to the older straight-flag design.
The Air Force said the VC-25B Bridge aircraft had arrived at the Presidential Airlift Group and would begin initial commissioning flights, according to ABC News.
The Jet Is a Bridge Until Boeing’s Delayed Planes Arrive
The Qatari jet is not replacing the full presidential fleet by itself. Reuters reported that it is an interim aircraft while Boeing finishes two new presidential 747-8s that are years behind schedule.
The older modified Boeing 747-200s have served presidents since 1990. The Guardian reported that one of the older jets, tail number 29000, is being retired after carrying Trump back from Europe, while the companion aircraft, tail number 28000, will continue flying alongside the new VC-25B.
ABC News reported that Trump said the older plane he used for the G7 trip would likely be placed in a museum.
The new Boeing replacement aircraft are expected sometime in 2028, according to ABC News. Reuters reported that the Boeing program was originally a $3.9 billion fixed-price contract signed in 2018, with delivery now expected around mid-2028.
The Gift Has Raised Cost and Security Questions
The plane’s path into the presidential fleet has drawn scrutiny because it began as a luxury aircraft connected to Qatar. Reuters reported that critics have questioned whether accepting the aircraft was appropriate. Trump dismissed the criticism, saying it would be “stupid” to turn down the offer.
The cost of converting the aircraft has not been fully disclosed. Reuters reported that Democratic senators estimated the retrofit could cost more than $1 billion and raised concerns about security risks.
The Guardian reported that Pentagon officials have said the aircraft was accepted in accordance with federal rules and that Air Force officials said the safety and security of the president remained the service’s highest priority.
The Plane Is Expected to Lead a July 4 Flyover
Trump said the converted aircraft will lead what he called the “biggest flyover in American history” during a July 4 ceremony over Washington, according to Reuters.
The timing gives the aircraft a highly visible debut ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary events.
Reuters also reported that Trump said he planned to travel to Turkey and return to China later this year while speaking at Joint Base Andrews during the aircraft unveiling.