President Donald Trump unveiled a new Air Force One on Friday, introducing a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar that administration officials say will serve as the presidential aircraft while long-delayed replacement jets remain under construction.
Trump revealed the aircraft during a visit to Joint Base Andrews before departing for Camp David.
The plane, reportedly valued at approximately $400 million, was displayed prominently as reporters arrived for the event.
“There will never be one like this,” Trump said while addressing military personnel and members of the press.
“This is considered the world’s most luxurious plane.”
The president praised the aircraft’s size, speed and amenities, describing it as superior to previous presidential aircraft.
“There will never be a plane like this again,” Trump said.
He also announced that the aircraft is expected to participate in a planned flyover during Fourth of July celebrations commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Before speaking to attendees, Trump toured the newly modified aircraft.
The plane features a color scheme personally favored by the president, including red, white and blue accents highlighted with gold trim.
The design closely resembles Trump’s private aircraft, commonly referred to as “Trump Force One.”
The debut marks the latest chapter in Trump’s long-running effort to redesign the presidential aircraft fleet.
During his first term, Trump negotiated a deal with Boeing in 2018 for two new Air Force One replacements.
Those aircraft were expected to feature his preferred design instead of the traditional light blue color scheme used on presidential planes since the administration of President John F. Kennedy.
However, the Boeing project experienced repeated delays.
During former President Joe Biden’s administration, the planned redesign was scrapped and the traditional color scheme was restored.
After returning to office in January 2025, Trump made clear that he intended to revisit the design changes.
The Qatari aircraft now provides an interim solution while Boeing completes construction of the permanent replacements.
According to administration officials, the plane will remain in service throughout Trump’s presidency before eventually becoming part of the future Trump presidential library in Miami.
The unusual arrangement has generated criticism from some opponents and ethics watchdog groups.
Critics have questioned the acceptance of such an expensive gift from a foreign government and have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Administration officials have defended the arrangement, noting that the aircraft is being used for official government purposes and addressing immediate transportation needs while replacement jets remain unfinished.
The unveiling also signaled the retirement of one of the older Air Force One aircraft that had remained in service since the administration of former President George H.W. Bush.
White House officials indicated earlier this week that one of the aging presidential planes would be removed from active service following Trump’s return from the Group of Seven summit in France, per the Daily Mail.
During Friday’s event, Trump appeared energized by the aircraft’s debut and repeatedly highlighted its capabilities.
As he prepared to depart, he joked with reporters gathered near the runway.
“Are you smiling?” Trump asked members of the press.
“They don’t smile at Republicans.”
The aircraft then departed Joint Base Andrews carrying the president to Camp David, marking the first official use of the new Air Force One and the beginning of what the administration says will be a new chapter in presidential air travel.
