Donald Trump unveiled the new temporary Air Force One, designated VC-25B Bridge, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday. The jet, a converted Qatari 747, features a red, white, dark blue and gold livery and was gifted to Trump by Qatar, sparking controversy as its $400 million value far exceeds the $50 limit on unsolicited gifts from a single source per year.
Trump dismissed criticism, calling it “stupid” to refuse the offer. The Pentagon confirmed the gift was accepted in accordance with federal rules. The conversion cost is estimated at $1 billion, and the jet will serve as a bridge until two new purpose-built Boeing aircraft are delivered in 2027 and 2028, whose costs have risen from $3.7 billion to $5 billion.
Critics argue the conversion costs could divert funds from the Sentinel ICBM modernisation programme. At the unveiling, Trump thanked the emir of Qatar, calling him “a fantastic guy.” He described the jet as “the world’s most luxurious plane” and necessary to keep pace with newer aircraft used by foreign leaders.
The two ageing 747s in the presidential fleet entered service in 1990. One was forced to turn back from a trip to Davos earlier this year due to a minor electrical issue. The air force fast-tracked the Qatari jet’s retrofitting but skipped some planned modifications to deliver an interim version sooner.
The new jet arrives two weeks before a planned formation flight over Washington DC on 4 July for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Trump said it will lead the “biggest flyover in American history.” The interior includes a framed print of a duck swimming in the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool.
The delivery coincides with the retirement of Air Force One tail number 29000, which will go to a museum. Its companion, tail number 28000, will continue flying alongside the new VC-25B until the new jets arrive. Concerns about Trump using the jet personally after leaving office are unlikely given its high operating cost of $180,000 to $200,000 per flight hour.
