US President Donald Trump unveiled a newly upgraded Boeing 747 on Friday, presenting the aircraft as the latest addition to the presidential fleet and a temporary replacement while long-delayed next-generation Air Force One jets remain under development.
The aircraft, originally gifted by Qatar last year, was showcased at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after undergoing extensive modifications by defence contractor L3Harris Technologies. The jet has been repainted in a new red, white, dark blue and gold colour scheme selected by Trump, replacing the traditional white and light-blue design associated with Air Force One for decades.
Addressing military personnel and guests gathered inside a newly constructed hangar, Trump described the aircraft as one of the most luxurious ever built.
“This is considered the world’s most luxurious plane,” Trump said. “When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again.”
The president argued that the upgrade was necessary to ensure the United States is represented by an aircraft comparable to those used by other world leaders.
“These countries have a lot of respect for us, and yet they have a plane that’s much newer and much better,” Trump said. “It’s a little ridiculous.”
The aircraft is expected to serve as a bridge solution while Boeing continues work on two specially designed Boeing 747-8 presidential aircraft. The programme, originally scheduled for completion in 2024, has faced repeated delays and is now expected to deliver the new jets in 2028.
Trump said the newly upgraded aircraft would make a prominent appearance during Independence Day celebrations, leading what he described as the largest flyover in American history during events on the National Mall in Washington.
The president also revealed that the Boeing 747-200 currently used for presidential travel had completed its final overseas mission following his return from Europe this week. He said the ageing aircraft would eventually be placed in a museum.
The acceptance of the Qatari aircraft has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who questioned the appropriateness of receiving such an expensive gift from a foreign government. Trump dismissed those concerns, saying it would have been unwise to reject the offer.
Security experts have noted that converting the luxury aircraft for presidential use required extensive upgrades, including secure communications systems, anti-surveillance technology and missile defence capabilities. While the total cost of the modifications has not been publicly disclosed, some Democratic lawmakers have estimated that the conversion could exceed $1 billion.
The Air Force has defended the accelerated programme. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the project was completed with safety and security remaining the highest priorities.
The new colour scheme unveiled on Friday is expected to become standard across future presidential and senior government aircraft, including the upcoming VC-25B fleet and several modified Boeing 757 aircraft used by top US officials.
