US President Donald Trump has officially unveiled a new Air Force One aircraft gifted by the government of Qatar, describing it as “the world's most luxurious plane.” The modified Boeing 747 was presented at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland and is expected to serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until the next-generation Air Force One fleet is delivered.
The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 valued at around $400 million before modifications, has been extensively upgraded with advanced communications, security systems, and missile-defense capabilities. It features a new red, white, dark blue, and gold livery chosen by Trump, replacing the traditional light-blue design associated with Air Force One for decades.
During the unveiling ceremony, Trump thanked Qatar's Emir and defended accepting the aircraft, arguing that the United States needed a more modern presidential plane while Boeing's delayed Air Force One replacement program remains unfinished. The new aircraft is intended as a "bridge" solution until two specially built presidential Boeing jets are delivered, currently expected in 2027 and 2028.
The gift has sparked political and ethical debate in Washington. Critics have questioned the acceptance of such a valuable aircraft from a foreign government and raised concerns about the cost of converting it for presidential use. Estimates for the retrofit range from hundreds of millions of dollars to more than $1 billion, though Pentagon officials have maintained that the transfer complies with federal regulations.
The aircraft is expected to play a prominent role in upcoming national events, including the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations and a planned Fourth of July flyover. One of the aging Air Force One jets that has served US presidents since 1990 has already been retired, while the remaining aircraft will continue operating alongside the new Qatari-built VC-25B.
