President Donald Trump unveiled a temporary Air Force One on Friday, a former Qatari royal jet transformed into a lavish presidential aircraft at a cost of around £300 million. The Boeing 747-8, dubbed 'The Flying White House' by Trump, was presented at Joint Base Andrews as a stopgap measure while Boeing's long-delayed replacement programme remains stalled.
Unveiling at Joint Base Andrews
Trump invited reporters aboard the aircraft, making clear his satisfaction with the finished product. 'There will never be one like this,' he said. 'This is considered the world's most luxurious plane.' The president acknowledged frustrations with the delays, telling reporters: 'We were in a little bit of a logjam.'
The aircraft was originally expected much sooner but has repeatedly slipped, with latest estimates suggesting the new fleet won't enter service until at least 2028. A Marine Corps general involved with the programme said work only began last August and told reporters he'd never seen a conversion completed so quickly.
Exterior and Interior Design
Outside, the jet features a dark navy underside, a bold red stripe, and a giant American flag across the tail — closely resembling Trump's own private aircraft, often referred to as 'Trump Force One.' The familiar light blue Air Force One colour scheme has been replaced. Near the entrance sits the presidential seal.
Inside, patriotic touches include artwork featuring American scenes, such as a duck gliding across the Reflecting Pool at sunset. The cabin resembles a luxury office with fancy leather seating, polished wood finishes, and gold-coloured details throughout. Large tables create meeting spaces for staff and officials during long journeys.
One conference room features a large square table surrounded by chunky leather chairs, with a giant television dominating one wall — ready for security briefings or diplomatic discussions. Even the seat belts have special presidential seals. Plush carpets in shades of tan and brown run through much of the aircraft.
Press Cabin and Specifications
Veteran Air Force One reporters noted the press cabin felt significantly larger than the one aboard the current aircraft. Rows of wide leather seats fill the compartment, and officials revealed that lay-flat seats are also available, although reporters weren't given the chance to test them.
A new Boeing 747-8 is valued at around $400 million, while the secretary of the Air Force said last year that modifying the gifted aircraft would probably cost less than $400 million. Trump praised the quality of materials, workmanship, and engines, describing it as a 'flying White House.'
Upcoming Deployments
The aircraft is expected to make its first international appearance at next month's NATO summit in Turkey before taking part in Independence Day celebrations in the United States. Until Boeing delivers the replacement fleet, this former royal jet will carry the presidential seal around the world.
Pilots seemed enthusiastic about the aircraft's handling; when one was asked how it performs in the air, he reportedly responded with a grin. Trump concluded: 'When we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one.'
