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A Boeing 747-8 gifted by Qatar and refitted by the US military is preparing to enter service as a temporary presidential aircraft, with US President Donald Trump formally presenting the jumbo jet at Joint Base Andrews on Friday.
"This is considered the world's most luxurious plane. When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again," Trump told a crowd in a new hangar at the base.
The aircraft, estimated to be worth $400m (£300m), has completed a series of modifications and will now undertake commissioning flights to verify its readiness. The US Air Force described these test flights as the aircraft's "final exam" before it begins transporting the President.
Officials said the work included improvements to security systems, mission communications, logistics capabilities and advanced technologies. The Air Force also stated that any risks linked to the aircraft's previous ownership had been "neutralised".
While the cabin has been altered only slightly, the aircraft's exterior has been repainted in red, white, blue and gold.
During the unveiling, Trump praised both the aircraft's design and craftsmanship.
"This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before," Trump said.
"The workmanship of this plane is when you see it, you won't believe it," he added.
"Actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines - these engines are the finest, they're the best in the world, nothing like it."
"It's really an honour," the president added. "And I want to thank the Emir of Qatar."
The Qatari royal family handed over the Boeing 747-8 to the US Department of Defense in May 2025 to be incorporated into the fleet known as Air Force One, which transports the President.
The donation prompted criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including some of Trump's allies. Opponents argued that accepting an aircraft of such value could amount to a conflict of interest and potentially violate constitutional provisions.
Although federal rules generally limit gifts to US officials to under $480, the White House has maintained that the transfer is lawful and has said the aircraft will eventually be donated to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
Until now, the Air Force One fleet relied on two Boeing 747-200B aircraft that have been operating since 1990. White House communications director Steven Cheung indicated that one of those aircraft has now been phased out.
"'Well done, good and faithful servant'", Cheung wrote on X, posting a photograph of the older plane. "The Last Ride," he added.
According to the Air Force, the Qatari-donated jet will remain an interim solution until Boeing delivers two delayed VC-25B aircraft that are intended to serve as the long-term Air Force One fleet.
"This is considered the world's most luxurious plane. When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again," Trump told a crowd in a new hangar at the base.
The aircraft, estimated to be worth $400m (£300m), has completed a series of modifications and will now undertake commissioning flights to verify its readiness. The US Air Force described these test flights as the aircraft's "final exam" before it begins transporting the President.
Officials said the work included improvements to security systems, mission communications, logistics capabilities and advanced technologies. The Air Force also stated that any risks linked to the aircraft's previous ownership had been "neutralised".
While the cabin has been altered only slightly, the aircraft's exterior has been repainted in red, white, blue and gold.
Trump calls aircraft a 'flying White House'
During the unveiling, Trump praised both the aircraft's design and craftsmanship.
"This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before," Trump said.
"The workmanship of this plane is when you see it, you won't believe it," he added.
"Actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines - these engines are the finest, they're the best in the world, nothing like it."
"It's really an honour," the president added. "And I want to thank the Emir of Qatar."
Gift drew criticism across political lines
The Qatari royal family handed over the Boeing 747-8 to the US Department of Defense in May 2025 to be incorporated into the fleet known as Air Force One, which transports the President.
The donation prompted criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including some of Trump's allies. Opponents argued that accepting an aircraft of such value could amount to a conflict of interest and potentially violate constitutional provisions.
Although federal rules generally limit gifts to US officials to under $480, the White House has maintained that the transfer is lawful and has said the aircraft will eventually be donated to Trump's presidential library after he leaves office.
Ageing aircraft await replacement
Until now, the Air Force One fleet relied on two Boeing 747-200B aircraft that have been operating since 1990. White House communications director Steven Cheung indicated that one of those aircraft has now been phased out.
"'Well done, good and faithful servant'", Cheung wrote on X, posting a photograph of the older plane. "The Last Ride," he added.
According to the Air Force, the Qatari-donated jet will remain an interim solution until Boeing delivers two delayed VC-25B aircraft that are intended to serve as the long-term Air Force One fleet.
