JUNE 20, 2026
Trump unveils refurbished Qatari-donated Boeing 747 as interim Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews
President Trump on Friday toured and unveiled a refurbished Boeing 747-8i at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, a jet donated by the government of Qatar and modified for presidential use. The aircraft features a new red, white, and blue exterior paint scheme, replacing the light blue-and-white design in place since the Kennedy administration. The Air Force said the jet will begin commissioning flights before entering operational service as an interim presidential aircraft.
The Boeing 747-8i, which the Qatari government donated to the United States, arrived at Joint Base Andrews ahead of the Air Force's previously projected schedule. The Air Force had originally estimated the first modified aircraft would be ready in 2027, after initially projecting 2028; the actual delivery came in June 2026. The jet is intended to serve as a bridge until Boeing completes two long-delayed VC-25B replacement aircraft, which are not expected for roughly two more years.
Trump spoke in front of the aircraft and praised its size, interior craftsmanship, and the speed of the conversion. "This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before," Trump said. He also called it the "world's most luxurious plane" and the "largest Air Force One ever built," and said it "flies further and faster than any Air Force One." Trump credited the Emir of Qatar and praised the more than 250 personnel who worked on the conversion, which he said took roughly 10 months.
Reporters given a brief tour described wood-paneled interiors, gold-toned fixtures, tan-and-gold seating, large television screens, a private suite, a conference room with a large table, and a press cabin featuring 24 seats each equipped with its own entertainment screen, according to Fox News. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the service "meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission." Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said, "Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline."