'Flying White House': Donald Trump unveils new 'Air Force One' gifted by Qatar - everything you need to know

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) unveiled the new presidential plane, a modified Boeing 747 introduced by Qatar, calling it the most modern “flying White House” and one of the most technologically advanced aircraft the United States has ever flown.

Speaking to attendees at the launch event at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Trump praised the extensive modifications to the aircraft and said the project was completed in an exceptionally short time frame.

What did Trump say?

“This plane has been transformed into a flying White House at a level of luxury that no one has ever seen before, probably even almost outside the plane. No one has ever seen anything like this, and in just 10 months, in a time frame that no one thought possible,” Trump said, according to ANI.

While reflecting on the aircraft’s capabilities, Trump noted, “Our pilots, designers and engineers have produced an aircraft that is the greatest Air Force One ever built. It flies farther and faster than any Air Force One ever and is among the most beautiful aircraft the Air Force will ever see or operate.”

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The luxury Boeing 747 sparked controversy after Qatar offered it as a replacement for the presidential jet last year. The proposal drew legal and ethical scrutiny because it was considered one of the most valuable foreign gifts ever given to the US government.

Trump defended the decision to accept the plane by arguing that he would be “stupid” to decline the offer.

Industry estimates put the aircraft’s value at around $400 million, the report said.

During the ceremony, Trump expressed his gratitude to the Qatari Emir for the plane and toured the plane, highlighting its renovated interiors and improved features.

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In a statement, the U.S. Air Force confirmed that the aircraft, designated the VC-25B Bridge, had been delivered to the Presidential Airlift Group and would undergo initial launch flights before entering full presidential service.

According to a US Air Force Public Affairs statement, the aircraft has been repainted in a new red, white and blue color scheme and has completed the final government modifications required to operate as a secure executive transport aircraft for the President.

“The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said.

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“From the beginning, we carefully evaluated every request to expedite delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of a presidential mission,” he mentioned.

The Air Force said the commissioning flights will mark the final test phase of the aircraft, allowing White House and military officials to assess its mission capabilities and overall readiness before it enters active service alongside the existing VC-25A and C-32 power transport aircraft.

Officials noted that the plane has been equipped with advanced security features and secure communication systems to ensure that the president remains protected and able to maintain constant connectivity while traveling.

The addition of the aircraft is also expected to reduce the operational burden on the aging VC-25A fleet until Boeing’s long-term VC-25B presidential aircraft program is fully deployed.

Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach stated, “We are proud to deliver the VC-25B Bridge aircraft to the President,” adding, “Many thought it could not be done, but the United States Air Force was able to execute and provide a secure, reliable airborne command post on an accelerated timeline.”

(With agency input)