President Trump completed his first flight aboard the Qatar-gifted Air Force One on July 1, piloting the $400 million Boeing 747-8 to North Dakota, marking a significant shift in presidential aviation after the previous aircraft served for 36 years.
The retrofitted jet features luxury upgrades including plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling, and presidential seals on the seat belts, according to AP News reporting. Trump’s preferred color scheme dominates the exterior: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes, replacing the traditional light-blue hull.
The Qatari government gifted the aircraft to the United States in 2025, and modifications included upgrades in security, mission communications, logistics support, and advanced technology, according to BBC reporting. The Air Force said it spent less than $400 million on security upgrades to the plane, according to CNBC.
The jet is designed to serve as a “bridge” aircraft until two new custom Boeing planes are delivered to the Air Force in 2028, when they emerge from years of delays, according to PBS. Trump directed that the plane be prepared for his use for the bulk of his remaining time in office after touring it shortly after returning to the White House.
The gift from Qatar raised ethical concerns from Democrats and some Republicans when it was first announced, according to NPR and The Guardian. Trump has brushed off the criticism, saying the jet will eventually be donated to his presidential library. “This is a gift from a country that has treated us very well,” Trump told reporters.
Some aviation analysts raised questions about the aircraft’s capabilities. The compressed timetable for modifications meant certain systems were excluded or modified, according to AP News reporting. Jeremiah Gertler, a senior analyst for Teal Group aviation and defense consulting, suggested the jet appears better suited for domestic use only, saying “If you’re going on a long trip, you take the big fancy car, but if you’re just buzzing around town, you’ll settle for something less.” The Air Force acknowledged that several highly complex engineering modifications required for the final Air Force One aircraft were intentionally excluded from the bridge aircraft, and that it did not widen the doors or include multiple stairs built into the hull.
Sources
- AP News — First flight details, luxury features, aircraft specifications, security upgrade costs, and analysis of missing systems
- NPR — First flight confirmation, ethical concerns, aircraft capabilities, and expert commentary on modifications
- BBC — Modifications including security, communications, and technology upgrades
- PBS — Bridge aircraft timeline and delivery schedule for new Boeing planes in 2028
- CNBC — Aircraft value and security upgrade costs
- The Guardian — Ethical concerns raised about the Qatar gift
- ABC11 — Trump’s statement on age of previous Air Force One
