The wide-body aircraft, presented as a gift last year has been extensively modified by defence contractor L3Harris Technologies. It has now undergone flight testing and features a new red, white, dark blue and gold livery personally selected by Trump.
The aircraft is intended to serve as an interim presidential jet, offering a more modern and upgraded platform for the president, aides, security personnel, and the media.
However, the cost of the retrofit has not been officially disclosed, and questions have been raised over whether accelerated modifications may have affected its security readiness.
Experts have noted that the rapid conversion process reportedly bypassed some planned upgrades initially intended for the next-generation presidential aircraft, although officials maintain that the jet meets required presidential standards.
.@POTUS makes the inaugural exit from the BRAND NEW AIR FORCE ONE! 🔥🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/jBciB2atAV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 19, 2026
Speaking on the development, US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the safety and security of the president remained the top priority, adding that the aircraft was carefully evaluated to balance expedited delivery with mission requirements.
The acceptance of the Qatar-gifted aircraft has also sparked political and ethical debate in Washington, with critics questioning the implications of receiving a high-value foreign gift. Trump, however, dismissed the criticism, stating it would be “stupid” to refuse such an offer.
Read More: Qatar’s $400 million gift jet for Trump sparks major political controversy in U.S.
Security experts have further pointed out that the aircraft required significant enhancements, including advanced communications systems to prevent interception and missile defence capabilities. Some lawmakers have estimated the overall conversion cost could exceed $1 billion, raising additional concerns over transparency and long-term viability.
The Qatari jet is expected to serve as a temporary solution while Boeing continues work on two purpose-built 747-8 aircraft under a $3.9 billion contract signed in 2018. That programme, however, is significantly delayed and now expected to be completed around mid-2028, with total costs exceeding $5 billion due to overruns.
The new aircraft also introduces a redesigned colour scheme, moving away from the traditional white-and-blue design used since the Kennedy era. It incorporates a modernised red, white, dark blue, and gold palette, which will also be applied to future presidential and VIP transport aircraft.
During the visit, Trump described the aircraft as a “flying White House,” praising its luxury interior, advanced engineering, and extended range, while thanking Qatar for what he called a generous gesture.
He also indicated plans for upcoming international travel, stating that visits to Turkiye and China are expected later in 2026, including participation in a major conference in China and a scheduled visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States.
Trump further said the aircraft could take part in a flyover during the upcoming 250th US Independence Day celebrations, highlighting its symbolic role in national events.
The aircraft forms part of a broader effort to modernise the presidential fleet, which has been in service since the 1990s, while Boeing continues to face delays and rising costs in delivering the next-generation Air Force One replacements.
