US President Donald Trump has unveiled a newly modified Boeing 747-8 jet donated by Qatar for use as part of the Air Force One presidential transport fleet, describing the aircraft as a “flying White House” after the US military completed extensive upgrades.
Qatar gave the luxury jumbo jet to the United States last year as what officials described as an “unconditional” gift. The aircraft carries an estimated value of $400 million. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Friday, Trump praised the transformation of the plane and thanked the Emir of Qatar for the donation.
“This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody’s ever seen before,” Trump said. “It’s really an honor. And I want to thank the Emir of Qatar.”
Trump praises new Air Force One jet
The US Air Force said the aircraft will now begin initial commissioning flights, a process it described as a “final exam” to test the modifications before the jet carries the president. Military teams upgraded the aircraft’s security systems, mission communications, logistics support, and advanced technology, according to the Air Force.
Officials also said they had “neutralized” any potential threats linked to the previously owned aircraft. Crews made only minimal changes to the interior, while the exterior now features a fresh red, white, blue, and gold paint scheme.
Trump praised the craftsmanship and materials used in the aircraft, saying: “The workmanship of this plane is when you see it, you won’t believe it. Actually, the quality of woods, the quality of the materials, the quality of the engines — these engines are the finest, they’re the best in the world, nothing like it.”
NEW AIR FORCE ONE! ✈️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/8DcY6ZErsy
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 19, 2026
Qatar gift sparked bipartisan criticism
The Qatari royal family donated the Boeing 747-8 to the US Department of Defense in May 2025. Officials plan to use the aircraft as part of the presidential air fleet associated with Air Force One.
When the gift first became public last year, it drew criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, including some Trump allies. Critics argued that the United States could face a conflict of interest by accepting such an expensive aircraft from a foreign government. Some also questioned whether the donation could violate constitutional restrictions.
Federal law generally limits gifts to US officials to items worth less than $480. The White House, however, has maintained that the United States can legally accept the aircraft. It has also said the plane will go to Trump’s presidential library after he leaves office.
Air Force One fleet enters transition
Before the addition of the Qatari-donated Boeing 747-8, the presidential fleet included two Boeing 747-200B aircraft that entered service in 1990. One of those older jets now appears to have left service, according to White House communications director Steven Cheung.
“Well done, good and faithful servant,” Cheung wrote on X alongside a photo of the older aircraft. “The Last Ride,” he added.
The Air Force said the new Boeing 747-8 will carry the president on an interim basis until Boeing delivers two long-delayed VC-25B aircraft. Those jets will serve as the long-term replacements for the current Air Force One planes.
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