US President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a converted Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, introducing it as a temporary Air Force One while Boeing completes a delayed replacement program.
Speaking at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump praised the aircraft and defended the decision to accept it.
“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 supporters.
The aircraft will serve as a “bridge” plane until Boeing delivers two new presidential Boeing 747-8 jets.
Boeing secured the $3.9 billion contract during Trump’s first administration. However, repeated production delays pushed delivery to 2028.
The revised timeline could leave Trump without a new purpose-built presidential aircraft before his term ends in January 2029.
Trump said the United States needed a modern presidential fleet to match aircraft used by other world leaders.
Critics Question Acceptance of Foreign Gift
The Qatari aircraft has sparked criticism from lawmakers, ethics groups and legal experts. Critics argue that accepting such an expensive gift from a foreign government raises legal and constitutional concerns.
Some experts have pointed to the Emoluments Clause, which limits gifts from foreign states to US officeholders without congressional approval. Trump rejected those concerns and defended the decision.
He previously said it would be “stupid” to refuse the aircraft. The president argued that taxpayers would benefit because the aircraft fills a gap while Boeing completes its delayed project.
The US Air Force carried out extensive modifications to transform the aircraft into a presidential transport platform. Officials have not disclosed the full upgrade cost. However, the Air Force previously estimated security modifications would cost less than $400 million.
The aircraft features a new design. A navy-blue lower fuselage replaces the traditional light-blue scheme. A red stripe runs along the body, while a large American flag covers the tail. The presidential seal appears near the main boarding area used by the president.
NATO Summit to Mark First Overseas Trip
Trump confirmed he will use the aircraft for next month’s NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The trip will mark the jet’s first major international mission as Air Force One.
He also signaled plans to return to China and attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later this year. Earlier this week, Trump returned from Europe aboard the aging Boeing 747-200 that has carried US presidents for more than 30 years.
He described that journey as the aircraft’s final presidential mission. Trump said officials will eventually place the retired jet in a museum.
“The rest of the Air Force One fleet will have the new design,” he said.
Trump also repeated that he will not use the Qatari aircraft after leaving office.
Instead, he said it will become part of a future presidential library. The move aims to end speculation that he could retain access to the aircraft after his presidency.
