New Air Force One plane, a $400 million jet gifted by Qatar, unveiled by US military
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The US Air Force on Friday unveiled a Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, offering the public its first look at the aircraft gifted by Qatar and valued at approximately $400 million.
The aircraft, now stationed at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, will begin commissioning flights before entering active presidential service, according to an Air Force statement.
"Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure continuity for the commander in chief," the Air Force said.
Military officials said the plane has undergone extensive modifications to meet presidential security and communications requirements and is equipped with advanced technologies needed for official missions. The Air Force added that it prioritized operational readiness over redesigning the interior, meaning many of the luxury features originally installed on the aircraft are expected to remain.
The unveiling comes after the administration spent the past year retrofitting the Qatari-owned jumbo jet for presidential use despite criticism from opponents who argued that accepting an aircraft from a foreign government could raise ethical and security concerns.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly defended the decision, arguing that accepting the aircraft saved taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars while the Air Force awaits delivery of a new fleet of Boeing presidential aircraft expected in 2028.
The Air Force also revealed that it leased and acquired additional Boeing 747-8 aircraft over the past year to allow pilots, maintenance crews and presidential support teams to train on the newer model ahead of its deployment.
Trump visited Joint Base Andrews on Friday before traveling to Camp David, just one day after returning from Europe aboard one of the aging Boeing 747-2 aircraft that have served as Air Force One for more than three decades.
According to the Air Force, the current presidential aircraft will remain in government service and join the executive airlift fleet used by senior US officials for official travel once they are removed from the presidential rotation.
