The U.S. Air Force has finalized modifications and testing on a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for interim use as Air Force One, with plans to have it operational for President Donald Trump by summer, the service announced late Friday.
Painting and Acceptance
The aircraft is currently being painted in red, white, and blue, according to an Air Force press release. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the luxury jet a year ago, despite ethical and legal questions surrounding the acceptance of an expensive gift from a foreign nation, as well as security and cyber intelligence concerns. Trump has defended the gift as a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.
Future Use and Disposal
Trump has stated he will not use the aircraft after his term ends. Instead, he plans to donate it to a future presidential library, similar to the decommissioned Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan, which is now displayed as a museum piece.
Bridge to New Aircraft
Air Force officials indicated that the former Qatari jet will serve as a temporary solution until Boeing delivers two new aircraft, now expected in 2028. The current Air Force One planes have been in service for nearly four decades, and Trump is eager for replacements. During his first term, he showcased a model of a new jumbo jet in the Oval Office, featuring a revised paint scheme reminiscent of his personal plane's red, white, and dark blue design.
Boeing's Delivery Delays
Boeing has been retrofitting 747s originally built for a now-defunct Russian airliner, but the program has faced nearly a decade of delays due to issues such as a critical subcontractor's bankruptcy and challenges in finding and retaining staff eligible for high-level security clearances. The new planes are not expected to be completed until near the end of Trump's term, leading to his frustration. He has described the situation as a total mess and complained that Air Force One is not as luxurious as planes used by some Arab leaders.
Luxury and Security Concerns
The $400 million Qatari plane has been described as a palace in the sky, featuring luxurious accommodations and top-of-the-line finishes. However, security remains the primary concern for presidential travel. The current Air Force One planes were built from scratch near the end of the Cold War, hardened against nuclear blasts, and equipped with advanced security features such as anti-missile countermeasures and an onboard operating room. They also have air-to-air refueling capabilities, though these have never been used with a president aboard.
Modifications and Costs
It is unclear which capabilities were added to the former Qatari jet. The Air Force did not disclose the cost of modifications, but lawmakers suggested last year they could exceed $1 billion. Air Force officials noted that they leased a 747-8 freighter from Atlas Air between October and February to familiarize pilots with the latest variant. The U.S. has also purchased two jets from German carrier Lufthansa for training and spare parts. Boeing ceased production of 747s in 2023.
