President Donald Trump unveiled the new Boeing 747-8 jet designated as Air Force One, which was gifted to the United States by the Qatari government last year free of charge. The U.S. military has completed modifications to this luxurious jumbo jet, estimated to be worth $400 million. “This airplane has been transformed into a flying White House with a level of luxury never seen before,” Trump said on Friday during remarks at Joint Base Andrews.
According to a press release by the U.S. Air Force, before the aircraft is used for presidential travel, it will undergo initial commissioning flights as “final tests” to verify the modifications. The upgrades include enhanced security features, highly sensitive and classified mission communications, logistical support, and advanced technology enhancements. The Air Force also confirmed that any potential risks that could have originated from the previous owner have been neutralized.
The interior of the aircraft experienced minimal changes, while the exterior has been freshly painted with red, white, blue, and gold. In May 2025, the Qatari royal family gifted this luxurious Boeing 747-8 to the U.S. Department of Defense to serve as part of the Air Force One fleet providing presidential air transport. When news of the gift broke last year, it sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics of Trump.
Critics argued that accepting such an expensive gift could create conflicts of interest and might even be unconstitutional. Federal law permits American officials to accept gifts valued under $480, but the White House maintained that the acceptance of this aircraft complied with legal requirements. Trump also revealed that after leaving office, the jet would be donated to his presidential library. “The craftsmanship on this plane is so outstanding that when you see it, it’s hard to believe,” Trump remarked.
