President Trump on Friday unveiled the Boeing 747-8 that will serve as the new Air Force One, providing the first look at the $400 million luxury plane that the U.S. accepted as a gift from the Qatari government last year.
Mr. Trump descended the stairs from the hulking jet inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews, the military post outside Washington that has served as the presidential airport for decades. He greeted Air Force officials and delivered remarks to a crowd of service members.
"There will never be one like this. This is very unique. This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," the president said. "When it was built, it was built at a level that will probably never be seen again."Mr. Trump said the hangar in which he was speaking had to be specially constructed to house the new jet, which is much larger than the previous plane. He added later that the new version will lead a massive flyover of Washington on July 4, the nation's 250th birthday.
The Air Force said in a release that the aircraft will soon begin embarking on "commissioning flights," its "final exam" before it can be used to transport the president.
"Fresh from receiving its new red, white, and blue livery and the final government modifications, the aircraft has entered service to provide critical, secure continuity for the commander in chief," the Air Force said.
The release said the plane is "safe, secure and equipped with the most advanced technologies necessary to meet the requirements of the presidential mission." The Air Force said it prioritized operational readiness over aesthetics, leaving the "interior layout minimally changed." That likely means the luxury finishings, leather seats and glossy wood paneling will remain intact.
The Air Force said it leased a 747-8 last year so pilots and maintenance crews could begin training on the new model. The training mission also included the purchase of a 747-8 that had been flown by Lufthansa. Taxpayers were also on the hook for "a full three-dimensional mock-up of the interior" so officials could "begin familiarization training" ahead of the Qatari plane's arrival, the Air Force said.
The plane will replace the military-grade 747-2 that has served presidents for more than 30 years. Mr. Trump arrived home from Europe on Thursday morning on the old jet, and White House staff posted farewell tributes to the aging plane on social media.
Mr. Trump has rejected criticism that accepting a gift plane from a foreign government presents a conflict of interest or a security risk. The administration has spent the last year retrofitting the Qatari jumbo jet for presidential use.
"Why should our military, and therefore our taxpayers, be forced to pay hundreds of millions of Dollars when they can get it for FREE from a country that wants to reward us for a job well done," Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social last year. "Only a FOOL would not accept this gift on behalf of our Country."
The president has said the Qatari jet would be used until a new fleet of Boeing planes are delivered to the Air Force in 2028.