President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a new Boeing 747-8 jet for Air Force One, which the Qatari government donated last year as an 'unconditional' gift to the United States. The US military first carried out modifications to the luxury jumbo jet, valued at an estimated $400 million (£300 million).
A Flying White House
'This plane was transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before. The jet will lead a flyover — the likes of which we’ve never seen before,' Trump said in a speech at Joint Base Andrews on Friday.
Modifications and Testing
The US Air Force said in a press release that the jet will begin initial commissioning flights — a 'final exam' to test out the aircraft's modifications — before it will be used to transport the president. Modifications to the jet included upgrades in security, mission communications, logistics support, and advanced technology, the Air Force said. Any potential threats from the previously owned aircraft have been 'neutralised,' it added.
The interiors of the aircraft have been minimally changed, and the exterior has received a fresh red, white, blue and gold paint job.
Donation and Controversy
In May 2025, the Qatari royal family donated the luxury Boeing 747-8 to the US Department of Defense to be used as part of a fleet of planes dubbed Air Force One, which provides air transport for the president. At the time, the gift sparked backlash, with critics arguing that accepting such a high-value donation posed a conflict of interest and may be unconstitutional. While federal law indicates that US officials can only accept gifts under $480, the White House has insisted that accepting the aircraft is legal, and pledged that it will be donated to Trump's presidential library once he leaves office.
