politics
Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet
The gift from Qatar is serving as a so-called "bridge" aircraft to carry the president until the new planes ordered directly from Boeing arrive.
TL;DR
- President Trump showcased the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jumbo jet.
- The aircraft features a new exterior design with navy blue and a red stripe, replacing the traditional robin's egg blue.
- Trump described the interior as a "flying White House" with unprecedented luxury.
- The jet will be used for upcoming international trips, including the NATO summit in Turkey and a potential visit to China.
- This Qatari jet serves as a temporary aircraft until new Boeing planes are delivered, currently slated for 2028.
- The U.S. accepted the luxury jet from Qatar despite ethical and legal questions.
- Security modifications to the jet were reported to cost less than $400 million.
- Trump's previous efforts to change the presidential airplane's color scheme were reversed by President Biden but reinstated by Trump.
- Other government jets will adopt a similar red, white, and navy color scheme.
- The existing VC-25As will remain in the fleet until the new VC-25Bs are operational.