The controversial former Qatari Boeing 747-8 gifted to the United States has finally been unveiled as a new Air Force One, complete with the revised livery devised by President Trump. The nature of the gift sparked a fair bit of controversy when Trump announced that they would be taking delivery of the jet.
The aircraft was donated by the Qatari royal family in May 2025, with it being gifted to the US Department of Defense. It sparked backlash from even some Trump allies, who argued that accepting a gift with such a high value was a conflict of interest and potentially even unconstitutional.
Federal law states that gifts can only be accepted under $480, but the White House insisted it was a legal donation and that it would be donated to Trump’s presidential library when he leaves office. Whatever the case may be, the jet is now here and ready to enter service.
It will serve as an interim jet until Trump leaves office after 2028, and until Boeing has delivered the promised VC-25B aircraft, which are currently facing production delays. The new Boeing 747-8 features a new Air Force One livery, but that isn’t the only thing different about the plane.
How This Jet Differs From the Other Members of the Air Force One Fleet
The most obvious change to the aircraft is the livery. Previously, Air Force One aircraft have worn a white and blue color scheme, and it has become one of the most iconic liveries on any jet aircraft. Trump decided that this time, the aircraft would wear a red, white, blue, and gold paint job. The top portion of the fuselage is decked in white, while below that are red and white stripes.
A gold stripe runs below them, while the bottom part of the aircraft is finished in blue. The original blue and white livery dates back to the 1960s, and it’s possible this could return when Trump leaves office. Another headline generator has been the new call sign of Vader 01, although that should change when the aircraft finally enters service.
The new 747 is also larger than the one we currently see operating. In fact, a new hangar has had to be built to handle the slightly larger Boeing 747 at its home base at Joint Base Andrews. It is widely expected that its commissioning flights will begin soon, with it set to make its public debut on July 4th during a special flypast as part of a ceremonial flyover in Washington, D.C.
How Long Will the New Aircraft Fly For?
The former Qatari Boeing 747-8 is set to fly on at least until President Trump leaves office. If the Boeing VC-25B aircraft are still not ready, they may fly for a little while longer until they are delivered. It is likely to be on display at Trump’s presidential gallery once it has retired from service. The jet itself has been valued at $400 million, and the U.S. might be grateful it didn’t pay that much if the aircraft only flies for another two years.
In terms of other upgrades, the security and mission communications systems have also been changed. The aircraft has had upgrades in logistics support and advanced technology, too, and the U.S. Air Force said that any potential threats to previous Air Force One aircraft have been neutralized with the new member of the fleet. The interior has changed little from the luxury cabin it had when it landed in the United States. By late July, the aircraft should have fully entered service as Air Force One.