The U.S. Air Force has completed the modification and testing of a Boeing 747 aircraft gifted by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One. The jet is currently undergoing a paint job in red, white, and blue, as announced by the Air Force. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the luxury jet a year ago, despite initial concerns regarding the ethics and legality of accepting such a gift from a foreign country. President Trump defended the acceptance, citing cost-saving benefits.
President Trump has expressed his intention not to use the aircraft after his term ends, planning instead to donate it to a future presidential library, similar to the decommissioning of a Boeing 707 used by President Ronald Reagan. The former Qatari jet will serve as a temporary solution until Boeing delivers two new aircraft, expected in 2028.
The current Air Force One planes have been in service for nearly four decades, prompting Trump’s eagerness to replace them. Boeing has faced significant delays in retrofitting 747s originally intended for a Russian airline, attributed to various challenges such as subcontractor bankruptcy and staffing issues requiring high-level security clearances.
Despite the delays, the new planes are not expected to be ready until the end of Trump’s term, leading to his frustration with the situation. The $400-million US Qatari plane is described as a luxurious “palace in the sky” with top-of-the-line amenities.
Security remains a primary concern for presidential travel. The current Air Force One planes, built during the Cold War era, boast security features like anti-missile countermeasures and onboard medical facilities. The specifics of security enhancements on the former Qatari jet have not been disclosed, with estimated modification costs exceeding $1 billion as suggested by lawmakers.
To familiarize pilots with the latest variant, the Air Force leased a 747-8 freighter from Atlas Air for training purposes. Additionally, the U.S. acquired two aircraft from Lufthansa for training and spare parts, as Boeing ceased 747 production in 2023.