The U.S. Air Force announced Friday evening that a Boeing 747 aircraft gifted by Qatar has completed its modification and testing phase and will be available for President Donald Trump’s use as a temporary presidential aircraft this summer.
According to the Air Force’s news release, the aircraft is currently receiving its patriotic red, white and blue paint job.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved accepting the luxury aircraft one year ago, despite ethical and legal questions surrounding the acceptance of such an expensive gift from a foreign government, along with security and cyber intelligence worries. Trump has justified accepting the gift as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.
Trump has stated he will not continue using the aircraft after his presidency concludes. He indicated the plane would be donated to a future presidential library, following the precedent set when President Ronald Reagan’s Boeing 707 was retired and placed on museum display.
According to Air Force officials, the former Qatari aircraft will function as a temporary solution while Boeing prepares to deliver two new aircraft, which are now scheduled for completion in 2028.
The current presidential aircraft have been in service for almost 40 years, and Trump is anxious to replace them. Throughout his first presidency, he showcased a model of a new jumbo jet in the Oval Office, featuring an updated paint design that mirrored the red, white and dark blue colors of his personal aircraft.
Boeing has been working to retrofit 747s that were originally constructed for a Russian airline that no longer exists. However, the program has experienced almost ten years of setbacks due to various problems, including a key subcontractor’s bankruptcy and challenges in finding and keeping qualified personnel who could obtain high-level security clearances.
The replacement aircraft won’t be completed until close to the conclusion of Trump’s term, and his patience has worn thin. He has called the situation “a total mess,” and has expressed frustration that Air Force One doesn’t match the quality of aircraft used by some Arab leaders.
The Qatari aircraft, valued at $400 million, has been characterized as a “palace in the sky,” featuring luxurious amenities and premium finishes.
However, security remains the top priority for presidential transportation. The existing Air Force One aircraft were constructed from the ground up during the final years of the Cold War. They feature nuclear blast protection and include various security systems, such as anti-missile defense technology and an onboard surgical suite. They also have air-to-air refueling equipment for emergency situations, though this capability has never been utilized with a president aboard.
The specific security enhancements added to the former Qatari aircraft remain undisclosed. The Air Force has not revealed the modification costs, though legislators indicated last year that expenses could exceed $1 billion.
Air Force officials reported they leased a 747-8 freighter from Atlas Air from October through February to allow pilots to train on the newest model variant. The U.S. has also acquired two aircraft from German airline Lufthansa for training purposes and spare parts. Boeing ceased 747 production in 2023.
