President Donald Trump unveils Qatar‑donated Boeing 747‑8 as new Air Force One
President Donald Trump publicly unveiled a Qatar‑gifted Boeing 747‑8 that will serve as a temporary Air Force One. The aircraft, converted by L3Harris Technologies and painted in a new red‑white‑dark‑blue livery, was displayed at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026. Valued at about $400 million, the jet replaces one of the aging VC‑25A planes and will be used until the next‑generation VC‑25B aircraft are delivered.
Trump highlighted the donation during remarks that praised Qatar’s Emir and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, linking the gift to broader Middle‑East alliances. Critics questioned the ethics of accepting a luxury aircraft from a foreign government and raised security concerns, but the White House said no conditions were attached. The plane is slated to lead a July 4 fly‑over commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary, and it may later be transferred to the presidential library foundation after its service.