President Donald Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet

President Donald Trump unveiled the newly designated Air Force One, a converted jumbo jet formerly owned by Qatar, at Joint Base Andrews on June 19, 2026. This aircraft features a new navy blue and red stripe exterior, replacing the traditional robin's egg blue. Trump described the plane as a "flying White House" with unprecedented luxury. The converted jet will serve as a temporary presidential aircraft until new planes ordered from Boeing are delivered, currently slated for 2028. The Air Force confirmed that the Qatari jet was modified to meet rigorous security requirements and that much of its previous interior layout was retained. The older Air Force One planes will remain in service alongside the new Qatari jet.

Donald Trump unveiled a new, temporary Air Force One, designated VC-25B, at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. This aircraft, a converted Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, has sparked political protest due to its $400 million value, far exceeding the limit for unsolicited gifts. Trump defended accepting the gift, calling it "stupid" to refuse. The converted jet will serve as a "bridge" until two new presidential Boeings are delivered in 2027 and 2028, with the conversion costing an estimated $1 billion. Critics raised concerns that conversion costs could impact defense programs. The new aircraft features a distinctive red, white, dark blue, and gold livery and is described as the "world's most luxurious plane."