President Donald Trump has unveiled a modified Boeing 747-8 that was donated by the Qatari government and will join the Air Force One fleet on an interim basis.

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The aircraft, valued at an estimated $400 million (£300 million), has undergone extensive military modifications and is now preparing for commissioning flights, the final stage of testing before it begins transporting the president.

Speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, Trump praised the aircraft, describing it as a “flying White House” featuring an unprecedented level of luxury.

Final Testing Before Service

According to the United States Air Force, the aircraft has received upgrades to security systems, mission communications, logistics support and other advanced technologies. Officials said any potential risks associated with the previously owned aircraft have been eliminated.

While most of the interior remains largely unchanged, the jet has been repainted in red, white, blue and gold.

The Air Force said the aircraft will undergo initial commissioning flights before entering presidential service.

Controversial Gift

The luxury Boeing 747-8 was donated by the Qatari royal family to the United States Department of Defense in May 2025 for use within the Air Force One fleet.

The donation sparked criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including some Trump allies. Opponents argued that accepting such a valuable gift could create a conflict of interest and potentially raise constitutional concerns.

Federal law generally limits gifts accepted by US officials to $480. However, the White House has maintained that the transfer is legal and has said the aircraft will ultimately be donated to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.

Trump Praises Aircraft

During the unveiling, Trump highlighted the aircraft’s craftsmanship and materials.

“The workmanship of this plane, when you see it, you won't believe it,” he said, praising the quality of the woodwork, materials and engines.

He also thanked Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, calling the donation an honour.

Replacing an Aging Fleet

Before the addition of the Qatari jet, the Air Force One fleet consisted of two Boeing 747-200B aircraft that have been in service since 1990.

One of those aircraft appears to have been retired, with White House communications director Steven Cheung posting a farewell message alongside a photograph of the older jet.

The new aircraft will serve as a temporary solution while Boeing completes delivery of two VC-25B presidential aircraft. Those planes, intended to become the long-term Air Force One fleet, have faced years of production delays.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 20 June 2026

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A conflict of interest you have to be kidding a bribe more like it !!

Lovely plane.

A marvellous gift.

Well deserved.

38 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Lovely plane.

A marvellous gift.

Well deserved.

Indeed. As well deserved as Trump being awarded a peace prize for starting a war. Perhaps the IMF could award him a prize for his contribution wrt worldwide economic stability.

I see the Qataris insisted he keep the paint job: Arab States of America.

He better pray there’s no American Flag Blue on that plane.

11 minutes ago, Front Row said:

He better pray there’s no American Flag Blue on that plane.

confused

24 minutes ago, couchpotato said:

confused

They painted the reflection pool in that color and look what happened.

(It’s a joke.).

Invited the mental muppet auto-pen joe up for a visit to the new AF-1.

Look ....my new toy. All mine to play with....well ...at least until November.

10 minutes ago, trucking said:

Look ....my new toy. All mine to play with....well ...at least until November.

Do realy think the midterms are going to make a difference , are you too Naive to think that he will go ! the guy is a Narcissist, he will shout cheating it will be tied up in the courts for years, even at the end of his term he will not go you have him in for life !!