A Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday as the new presidential aircraft. President Donald Trump toured the plane and praised its design and capabilities. The jet will now undergo commissioning flights before entering service.
The aircraft, a Boeing 747-8 valued at approximately $400 million, reached Joint Base Andrews on Friday afternoon. Trump inspected the interior and later addressed reporters, calling it the world's most luxurious plane and the largest Air Force One ever built.
The plane features a new red, white, and blue color scheme that Trump said reflected his personal taste and the American flag. It replaces the previous light blue and white design used since the Kennedy administration.
Air Force officials confirmed the jet completed modifications and will begin commissioning flights soon. Gen. Ken Wilsbach said the accelerated timeline delivered a secure airborne command post despite initial doubts.
The aircraft will serve as a bridge until the long-term VC-25B fleet arrives. Trump noted the delivery occurred in just 10 months, far ahead of earlier projections.
