US President Donald Trump has taken his first official flight aboard the $400 million Qatari-gifted Air Force One, unveiling a refurbished Boeing 747-800 that will serve as an interim presidential aircraft until the next-generation Air Force One fleet is delivered.
The aircraft, gifted by Qatar, has been extensively retrofitted and features Trump’s preferred navy-blue, red, and gold exterior in place of the traditional light-blue Air Force One colour scheme. The jet includes luxury features such as plush carpeting, lie-flat seats, wood-panelled interiors, and customised presidential details.
Speaking to reporters, Trump defended the aircraft’s lavish design, saying, “You can do two things: You can low-key it, or you can show it.”
The Qatari-gifted Air Force One is intended to bridge the gap until Boeing delivers two new presidential aircraft, expected by 2028. Trump had directed officials to prepare the aircraft for regular use during his second term after inspecting it shortly after returning to office.
Due to the accelerated refurbishment timeline, the aircraft did not receive all the modifications found on the existing Air Force One fleet. Aviation experts noted that the jet lacked advanced defensive systems, making it suitable for domestic operations, even though the US Air Force assured that no compromises were made to safety, security, or secure communications.
The aircraft made its first official trip carrying Trump to North Dakota for a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library ahead of its opening during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
The Qatari-gifted Air Force One has drawn political and ethical scrutiny since its announcement. However, Trump defended accepting the aircraft, describing it as a gift from a country that has maintained strong ties with the United States and saying it was needed to replace the ageing presidential fleet.
