Trump Administration Unveils Qatar-Gifted Boeing 747 as Interim Air Force One
Trump unveils Qatar-gifted Boeing 747 as interim Air Force One, featuring restored navy-red colors and July 4 debut.
Event / Politics
Trump Air Force One Aircraft
President Trump unveiled a converted Boeing 747 as the new Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026. The aircraft, formerly owned by Qatar, features a navy blue and white fuselage with red stripes, replacing the Kennedy-era light blue design. It will serve as a bridge aircraft until new Boeing planes arrive in 2028, with security modifications estimated under $400 million. The aircraft will be used in a July 4 flyover for the nation's 250th anniversary. The gift from Qatar has generated bipartisan criticism over ethical and legal concerns.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 20 Jun, 00:34 UTC
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What happened
Air Force security modifications to new Air Force One estimated at less than $400 million
The Air Force estimated that security modifications to the converted Qatari jet would cost less than $400 million, though aviation experts suggest the full project cost including all upgrades could exceed $1 billion.
Qatar-gifted aircraft will serve as bridge until new Boeing planes arrive in 2028
The Qatari jet is intended to serve as a temporary bridge aircraft to carry the president until two new planes being modified by Boeing arrive, currently slated for 2028, bridging the gap between aging modified Boeing 747-200s in service since 1990.
President Trump unveils new Air Force One aircraft converted from Qatari Boeing 747
President Donald Trump unveiled a new Air Force One aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, a Boeing 747 formerly owned by Qatar that has been converted and repainted with a navy blue and white fuselage with red stripes, replacing the Kennedy-era light blue color scheme used since 1990.
Trump reselects navy and red color scheme for new Air Force One after Biden reversal
The new Air Force One features a navy blue and white fuselage with red stripes, a color scheme Trump directed during his first administration. President Biden reversed the decision in March 2023 due to concerns about increased costs and delays, but Trump reinstated the design upon returning to office.
Trump plans to donate Qatari jet to presidential library foundation upon leaving office
Trump stated that he will not use the Qatari-gifted aircraft after leaving office and that it will be donated to his presidential library foundation.
Air Force begins commissioning flights to certify new Air Force One readiness
The Air Force began commissioning flights on the newly converted Qatari aircraft to serve as a final examination ensuring the aircraft modification meets required standards for safely transporting the president and enabling him to fulfill his duties.
New Air Force One will be used in July 4 Washington flyover for 250th U.S. anniversary
President Trump announced that the new Air Force One jet will lead a ceremonial flyover in Washington on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, involving various military aircraft.
United States accepted luxury Boeing 747 jet from Qatar last year
The U.S. administration formally accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jet from the government of Qatar last year to serve as a presidential aircraft, despite raising questions about the ethics and legality of accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign nation.
Existing Air Force One planes to remain in fleet until new Boeing aircraft arrive
The two current Air Force One planes, known as VC-25As and in service since 1990, will not retire but will remain in the fleet until the new Boeing planes referred to as VC-25Bs come into service around 2028.
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