Trump Unveils Qatari-Gifted Converted Boeing 747 Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews

President Donald Trump unveiled a converted Boeing 747 designated for Air Force One after it was gifted to him by the Qatari government, and the plane arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Friday ahead of schedule.

“WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump was at Joint Base Andrews unveiling a new presidential aircraft: a luxury jet donated by the government of Qatar that has been painted red, white and blue and adorned with the words "United States of America”

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Trump toured the luxury Boeing 747 plane at Joint Base Andrews and said it was transformed into “a flying White House at a level of luxury that nobody's ever seen before.”

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The Air Force said the jet will begin initial commissioning flights, described as a “final exam” for the aircraft’s modifications, before it is used to transport the president.

The BBC reported the Qatari royal family donated the luxury Boeing 747-8 to the US Department of Defense as an “unconditional” gift, valued at an estimated $400m (£300m), and that modifications included upgrades in security and mission communications.

The gift provoked bipartisan criticism over ethical and security issues, with the BBC noting that federal law indicates US officials can only accept gifts under $480 while the White House insisted the arrangement is legal.

Trump dismissed criticism of the arrangement, saying it would be “stupid” to turn down the offer, and the Guardian reported the conversion cost was put at $1bn.

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The Guardian also said the new jet is designed to serve as a “bridge” aircraft until two long-delayed presidential Boeings are delivered in 2027 and 2028, while the BBC said the interiors were minimally changed and the exterior received a fresh red, white, blue and gold paint job.

In a statement carried by the Guardian, Troy Meink said, “The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority,” as officials described accelerated retrofitting and skipped planned modifications for the next-generation presidential jet.

The Air Force said the aircraft from Qatar will “serve as a bridge until the [long-term] VC-25B is delivered,” and NPR reported the VC-25B Bridge aircraft will undertake its commissioning flights as a “final exam” before being officially commissioned into the active executive airlift fleet.

NBC News said the jet will lead a ceremonial flyover in Washington on July 4 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, and it described the aircraft as set to be used by Trump during events tied to that anniversary.

The Guardian reported that the delivery of the Qatari jet crosses over with the retirement of the Air Force One tail number 29000, while its companion aircraft with tail number 28000 will continue flying with the new VC-25B aircraft until the new jets are delivered.

ABC News reported that the Air Force has been modifying the jet in Texas since September and that the plane will be transferred to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation once he leaves office, as the White House said the gift would ultimately be donated there.