Trump unveils new presidential airplane donated by Qatar
US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new presidential aircraft donated by Qatar, describing it as “the world’s most luxurious plane.”
Speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Friday June 19, 2026, after touring the aircraft, President Trump said the plane reflected his personal preferences and represented a new chapter in presidential air travel.
“Everything was designed good. It was my taste, I will say. I like the color of the American flag, right? That makes sense,” Trump told a crowd of airmen.
The luxury jet, donated by the Qatari government and transferred to the Pentagon last year [2025], is expected to serve as an interim presidential aircraft while Boeing completes work on two new Air Force One planes. The new Boeing aircraft are not expected to be ready for another two years.
Trump had previously expressed frustration over delays in the Boeing project amid concerns that the aircraft might not be completed before the end of his current term in 2029.
The White House has also dismissed ethical, legal and national security concerns raised over accepting a gift reportedly worth US$400 million from a foreign government. Since receiving the aircraft, the US Air Force has been working to modify it for presidential use.
One of the most noticeable changes is the aircraft’s exterior colour scheme. The traditional light blue design introduced during the administration of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy has been replaced with a navy blue and white fuselage accented by red stripes.
“We like the baby blue, but it was time for a change,” Trump said.
The US president also highlighted a redesigned American flag on the aircraft’s tail.
“We put the wave in it. We’ve always gone with a straight little noodle, and I never loved that,” he explained.
According to reporters who toured the aircraft, the interior features reclining leather seats, tan-coloured walls and carpets, and gold light fixtures.
Trump praised the quality of the wood paneling, while the Air Force noted that only limited modifications had been made to the existing interior layout.
The US military said its priority had been “mission over aesthetics,” although seatbelts bearing the presidential seal were added to the aircraft.
The Air Force estimates that modifications to prepare the plane for presidential duties will cost less than US$400 million.
Meanwhile, President Trump reflected on the future of the two Boeing 747-200 aircraft that have served as Air Force One since 1990, carrying presidents including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
“They’re great planes, they’re great history,” Trump said while adding that the aircraft would eventually be refurbished and placed in museums.
The US Air Force said the new jet will soon begin commissioning flights after a final phase of testing before it enters official service.
Trump just made his inaugural exit from the $400 million Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar that will serve as Air Force One.
After taxpayers spend hundreds of millions upgrading the plane, Trump gets to keep it after leaving office. pic.twitter.com/hsl3cGJdPN
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) June 19, 2026
