Trump Unveils New Air Force One Jet Gifted by Qatar at Joint Base Andrews
5 verified1 unconfirmed
President Donald Trump officially unveiled a new Air Force One jet on Friday that was gifted by the Qatari government. The Boeing 747 arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, where Trump toured the aircraft and praised its features. Trump described the plane as the "largest" ever built and a "flying White House" with unprecedented luxury. The jet sports a new red, white, and blue color scheme, a departure from the lighter blue used on previous models. The Air Force stated the aircraft, designated VC-25B Bridge, will now undergo commissioning flights before it is assigned for presidential missions. The value of the jet is estimated at approximately $400 million, though additional government spending has been incurred to prepare it for use. The gift has drawn bipartisan criticism over ethical and security concerns.
What’s verified
Trump unveiled the new Air Force One jet, a gift from the Qatari government, at Joint Base Andrews on Friday.
The plane is a Boeing 747 and features a new red, white, and blue color scheme.
Trump described the jet as the "largest" and a "flying White House" with unprecedented luxury.
The value of the aircraft is estimated at approximately $400 million.
The Air Force will conduct commissioning flights on the plane, designated VC-25B Bridge, before it enters service.
Not yet confirmed
The sources provide single-report claims on several details. One report stated Trump thanked the Emir of Qatar during the ceremony. Another noted the jet will be used in a July 4 flyover for the nation’s 250th anniversary. A third indicated the White House has said the plane will ultimately be given to Trump’s presidential library foundation. Additional single-source claims include that the overhaul could cost over $1 billion, that Trump said his return from the G7 summit would be his last flight on the existing fleet, and that Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach praised the delivery. The sources did not address whether the plane has been fully certified for presidential use or the specific terms of the gift agreement.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
The Emir of Qatar (unnamed)
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach
