The U.S. Air Force has confirmed that a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar is expected to be ready for presidential airlift duty by summer 2026.
The aircraft, accepted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last spring, will serve as a temporary "bridge" VC-25 aircraft until two new presidential jets are delivered from Boeing. The plane is currently being painted in red, white, and blue.
Background and Delivery Timeline
The aircraft was donated by the royal family of Qatar. Following the donation, the Pentagon was tasked with retrofitting the plane to meet Air Force One specifications, including security and device checks, before it could enter service. The U.S. Air Force has announced that modifications and testing on the jet have been completed.
The aircraft will serve as a VC-25 bridge aircraft, supporting the presidential mission and potentially replacing or supplementing the two current 35-year-old jets that serve as Air Force One.
Replacement Program and Current Aircraft
A broader project to replace the aging presidential aircraft has experienced delays. New aircraft deliveries from Boeing are currently scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Trump has expressed frustration with delays in the replacement program, citing issues including a subcontractor's bankruptcy and security clearance staffing difficulties.
The current Air Force One planes have been in service for nearly four decades. The existing aircraft have faced recent issues, including a "minor electrical issue" that prompted a presidential aircraft change during a recent trip. The Air Force leased a 747-8 freighter for pilot training and purchased two jets from Lufthansa for training and spare parts. Boeing stopped building 747s in 2023.
Aircraft Specifications
The donated aircraft has been described by some as a "palace in the sky" with luxurious accommodations. Current Air Force One aircraft are hardened against nuclear blasts and include anti-missile countermeasures, an operating room, and air-to-air refueling capabilities. It is unclear which of these capabilities were added to the former Qatari jet during modification.
Costs
The Air Force did not disclose modification costs. Lawmakers have suggested costs could exceed $1 billion. Trump has defended accepting the gift, characterizing it as a positive gesture and a contribution to the Defense Department, and as a cost-saving measure. Trump stated he would not use the aircraft after his term ends, suggesting it would be donated to a future presidential library, similar to the Boeing 707 used by Ronald Reagan.
Concerns
The donation has drawn criticism from some congressional Democrats and watchdog groups, who have expressed ethical concerns regarding a U.S. president accepting a high-value gift from a foreign country. The cost of retrofitting the donated plane has also been questioned. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accepted the jet despite ethical, legal, security, and cyber intelligence concerns, according to some reports.