Washington: The newly designated VC-25B aircraft features a striking red, white, dark blue and gold livery that closely resembles Trump’s personal jet. The Boeing 747 was gifted by the Gulf nation of Qatar and is expected to serve as a “bridge” aircraft until two long-delayed next-generation Air Force One planes are delivered in 2027 and 2028.
While the aircraft itself is valued at around $400 million, reports indicate that converting it into a presidential jet could cost as much as $1 billion. Critics have questioned whether those funds could be better used elsewhere, including defence modernisation programmes already facing delays.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Trump praised Qatar’s Emir and described the aircraft as “the world’s most luxurious plane.” He argued that the United States needed a more modern presidential aircraft to match those used by other world leaders.
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“These countries have a lot of respect for us, and yet they have a plane that’s much newer and much better,” Trump said.
The new jet arrives as the ageing presidential fleet nears retirement. The two Boeing 747s currently serving as Air Force One entered service in 1990 during the administration of former President George H. W. Bush.
Earlier this year, one of the aircraft was forced to return to Washington during a trip to Switzerland after a technical issue was detected. The incident further highlighted concerns about the ageing fleet.
According to US Air Force officials, the Qatari aircraft has undergone extensive modifications to meet presidential security and operational standards. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the safety and security of the president remained the highest priority throughout the accelerated retrofitting process.
The unveiling comes ahead of planned Independence Day celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trump said the new aircraft would lead what he described as the “biggest flyover in American history” over Washington, D.C., on July 4.
The arrival of the VC-25B also coincides with the retirement of Air Force One tail number 29000, one of the two long-serving presidential aircraft that is expected to be placed in a museum. Its companion aircraft will continue operating alongside the new jet until the next-generation Air Force One fleet is fully delivered.
