Donald Trump has unveiled a new temporary Air Force One, a converted Qatari Boeing 747 valued at $400 million, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The jet, designated VC-25B and painted in red, white, dark blue and gold, was gifted by the Gulf emirate, provoking political outcry as it vastly exceeds the $50 limit on unsolicited gifts from a single source in a calendar year.
Trump dismissed the 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 aircraft will serve as a “bridge” until two new presidential Boeings are delivered in 2027 and 2028, whose costs have ballooned from $3.7 billion to $5 billion.
Critics argue the conversion funds could be diverted from the Sentinel ICBM modernisation programme, which is already behind schedule. 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 modern aircraft used by other world leaders.
The two ageing 747s in the presidential fleet, in service since 1990, have faced technical issues, including a recent forced return to Washington due to an electrical fault. The air force fast-tracked the Qatari jet’s retrofitting, skipping some modifications to deliver an interim version sooner, while maintaining presidential standards.
The new jet, echoing Trump’s personal aircraft colour scheme, will lead a formation flight over Washington DC on 4 July for the nation’s 250th anniversary. Interior tours revealed a framed print of a duck swimming in the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The retired tail number 29000 will go to a museum, while its companion 28000 continues flying with the new VC-25B until the new jets arrive.
