Trump takes maiden flight on new Air Force One gifted by Qatar
According to the Air Force, the temporary jet will reduce pressure on the ageing VC-25A fleet while ensuring uninterrupted presidential airlift operations until Boeing's permanent replacement aircraft enter service.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made the first presidential trip aboard a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar, marking the aircraft's official debut as the latest Air Force One.
The luxury jumbo jet carried Trump from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The flight marked the beginning of the aircraft's role as a temporary presidential jet until Boeing delivers the long-delayed next-generation Air Force One fleet, now expected by 2028.
Speaking before boarding the aircraft, Trump praised the plane and described the moment as a milestone for the presidency.
"For me, this is the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built," Trump told reporters. "I'm excited about the first flight."
A NEW CHAPTER FOR AIR FORCE ONE
The Boeing 747-8i will serve as a "bridge" aircraft while the US Air Force waits for Boeing to complete its replacement programme for the ageing VC-25A fleet that has transported American presidents for nearly four decades.
Trump has repeatedly criticised delays in Boeing's programme and has argued that the United States should have a presidential aircraft comparable to those used by other world leaders.
"Our Air Force One was 35, 36 years old," he said. "This is a plane that the United States of America should have."
The refurbished aircraft features a striking new design chosen by Trump. Gone is the familiar robin's egg blue paint scheme introduced during the presidency of George H W Bush. In its place is a bold combination of red, white and dark navy blue, along with a flowing American flag across the tail.
Last month, Trump said the traditional blue design had served its purpose but believed it was time for a change.
"I like the colour of the American flag," he said.
QATAR'S GIFT DRAWS ATTENTION
The aircraft was previously owned by Qatar before being presented to the United States for presidential use.
Its acceptance has drawn scrutiny in Washington because of the rare decision to receive a luxury aircraft from a foreign government.
Critics have questioned both the arrangement and the speed at which the aircraft was modified for presidential service.
Trump, however, defended the decision before Wednesday's flight.
He said Qatar had "treated us very well" and described the country's emir as "very nice."
Responding to questions about taxpayer costs, Trump said accepting the aircraft had saved significant money.
"The plane cost very little relative to what it would cost if we did it a different way," he said.
"We're very proud of this. The country is very proud of it."
BUILT FOR THE US PRESIDENT
Although the aircraft began life as a commercial Boeing 747-8i, the US Air Force says it has undergone extensive modifications to meet presidential requirements.
Trump said the aircraft now includes advanced security systems and specialised communications equipment.
"They made it appropriate for a president," he said. "That means security and all of the different bells and whistles. They put on very complex stuff."
The Air Force has stressed that any aircraft carrying the call sign "Air Force One" must meet strict operational and security standards.
Officials said the modifications were completed through a disciplined engineering process that prioritised the aircraft's core presidential capabilities.
The Air Force has previously estimated that the conversion cost less than $400 million.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said the service was proud to deliver the bridge aircraft to the president.
According to the Air Force, the temporary jet will reduce pressure on the ageing VC-25A fleet while ensuring uninterrupted presidential airlift operations until Boeing's permanent replacement aircraft enter service.
TRUMP TO SHOWCASE NEW JET
Trump said Wednesday's journey would not be the aircraft's only high-profile appearance.
He announced that the new Air Force One will perform a flyover during the July 4 celebrations on the National Mall as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The US President also said he plans to use the aircraft for next month's NATO summit in Turkey.
His return from the Group of Seven summit in France last week marked the final planned overseas trip aboard the older Air Force One.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made the first presidential trip aboard a newly refurbished Boeing 747-8i gifted by Qatar, marking the aircraft's official debut as the latest Air Force One.
The luxury jumbo jet carried Trump from Joint Base Andrews to North Dakota, where he was scheduled to inaugurate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The flight marked the beginning of the aircraft's role as a temporary presidential jet until Boeing delivers the long-delayed next-generation Air Force One fleet, now expected by 2028.
Speaking before boarding the aircraft, Trump praised the plane and described the moment as a milestone for the presidency.
"For me, this is the first flight of what I think is maybe the greatest commercial plane ever built," Trump told reporters. "I'm excited about the first flight."
A NEW CHAPTER FOR AIR FORCE ONE
The Boeing 747-8i will serve as a "bridge" aircraft while the US Air Force waits for Boeing to complete its replacement programme for the ageing VC-25A fleet that has transported American presidents for nearly four decades.
Trump has repeatedly criticised delays in Boeing's programme and has argued that the United States should have a presidential aircraft comparable to those used by other world leaders.
"Our Air Force One was 35, 36 years old," he said. "This is a plane that the United States of America should have."
The refurbished aircraft features a striking new design chosen by Trump. Gone is the familiar robin's egg blue paint scheme introduced during the presidency of George H W Bush. In its place is a bold combination of red, white and dark navy blue, along with a flowing American flag across the tail.
Last month, Trump said the traditional blue design had served its purpose but believed it was time for a change.
"I like the colour of the American flag," he said.
QATAR'S GIFT DRAWS ATTENTION
The aircraft was previously owned by Qatar before being presented to the United States for presidential use.
Its acceptance has drawn scrutiny in Washington because of the rare decision to receive a luxury aircraft from a foreign government.
Critics have questioned both the arrangement and the speed at which the aircraft was modified for presidential service.
Trump, however, defended the decision before Wednesday's flight.
He said Qatar had "treated us very well" and described the country's emir as "very nice."
Responding to questions about taxpayer costs, Trump said accepting the aircraft had saved significant money.
"The plane cost very little relative to what it would cost if we did it a different way," he said.
"We're very proud of this. The country is very proud of it."
BUILT FOR THE US PRESIDENT
Although the aircraft began life as a commercial Boeing 747-8i, the US Air Force says it has undergone extensive modifications to meet presidential requirements.
Trump said the aircraft now includes advanced security systems and specialised communications equipment.
"They made it appropriate for a president," he said. "That means security and all of the different bells and whistles. They put on very complex stuff."
The Air Force has stressed that any aircraft carrying the call sign "Air Force One" must meet strict operational and security standards.
Officials said the modifications were completed through a disciplined engineering process that prioritised the aircraft's core presidential capabilities.
The Air Force has previously estimated that the conversion cost less than $400 million.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said the service was proud to deliver the bridge aircraft to the president.
According to the Air Force, the temporary jet will reduce pressure on the ageing VC-25A fleet while ensuring uninterrupted presidential airlift operations until Boeing's permanent replacement aircraft enter service.
TRUMP TO SHOWCASE NEW JET
Trump said Wednesday's journey would not be the aircraft's only high-profile appearance.
He announced that the new Air Force One will perform a flyover during the July 4 celebrations on the National Mall as the United States marks the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The US President also said he plans to use the aircraft for next month's NATO summit in Turkey.
His return from the Group of Seven summit in France last week marked the final planned overseas trip aboard the older Air Force One.
